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To investigate the association of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with the 48‐base pair (bp) variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in exon 3 of the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene, we genotyped 240 ADHD patients and their parents from Hong Kong. The 4R allele was most common, followed by 2R. We examined association between the 2R allele (relative to 4R) and ADHD by Transmission Disequilibrium Test (TDT). The odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval) was 0.90 (0.64–1.3). The p‐value was 0.6. Examining subgroups revealed nominally significant association of 2R with inattentive ADHD: OR = 0.33 (0.12–0.92) and p = 0.03. Because our study used TDT analysis, we meta‐analyzed the association of 2R with ADHD in Asians (1329 patient alleles), revealing results similar to ours: OR = 0.97 (0.80–1.2) and p = 0.8. To examine the association of 2R with inattentive ADHD, we meta‐analyzed all studies (regardless of analysis type or ethnicity, in order to increase statistical power): 702 patient alleles, 1420 control alleles, OR = 0.81 (0.57–1.1) and p = 0.2. Overall, there is no evidence of association between ADHD and the 2R allele, but the suggestive association with the inattentive type warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we look for normalized solutions to the following non-autonomous Schrödinger equation - Δ u = λ u + h (x) | u | q - 2 u + | u | 2 ∗ - 2 u in R N , ∫ R N | u | 2 d x = a , where N ≥ 3 , a > 0 , λ ∈ R , h ≠ c o n s t and 2 ∗ = 2 N N - 2 is the Sobolev critical exponent. In the L 2 -subcritical regime (i.e. 2 < q < 2 + 4 N ), by proposing some new conditions on h, we verify that the corresponding Pohozaev manifold is a natural constraint and establish the existence of normalized ground states. Compared to the L 2 -subcritical regime, it is necessary to apply some reverse conditions to h provided that at least L 2 -critical regime (i.e. 2 + 4 N ≤ q < 2 ∗ ) is considered. We prove the existence of minimizer on the Pohozaev manifold of the associated energy functional and determine that the minimizer is a normalized solution by using the classical deformation lemma. In particular, by imposing further assumptions on h, the ground states can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) have significant potential as reinforcement agents in metallic materials. Understanding the interfacial structure between GNPs and an aluminum matrix (AlM) is crucial for this composite (GNPs/AlMC) design and application. Studies on the effects of heat treatment on the interfacial character and its influence on mechanical properties at the atomic scale are, therefore, of high importance. This study presents molecular dynamics simulations investigating the effects of heat treatment on the interfacial structural evolution between GNPs and AlM and how such behavior tunes mechanical performance. The results show that the number of interfacial bonds increases significantly when the heat treatment temperature reaches 900 K, below which it stays at low level. Compared with the heat treatment temperature, the pressure has less effect on the interfacial bonds of GNPs/AlMCs. Moreover, defective GNPs with pores at certain heat treatment temperatures promote the formation of Al-C bonds at the interface and improve the mechanical properties of GNPs/AlMCs. These findings underscore the potential for utilizing heat treatment and defect engineering to improve interfacial bonding and achieve improved mechanical performance in GNPs/AlMCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olefin polymerization is one of the most important chemical reactions in industry. This work presents a strategy that emphasizes the synergistic meta/para-steric hindrance of N-aryl groups and electronic effects in newly synthesized neutral salicylaldiminato nickel catalysts. These nickel(II) catalysts exhibit exceptional thermostability, ranging from 30 °C to 130 °C, demonstrating enhanced catalytic activities and broadly regulated polyethylene molecular weights (3–341 kg·mol−1) and controlled polymer branch density (2–102 brs/1000C). The preferred catalyst Ni3 with concerted steric and electronic effects enables the production of solid-state semi-crystalline polyethylene materials at temperatures below 90 °C. Notably, Ni3 exhibits an impressive tolerance of 110 °C and can withstand even the challenging polymerization temperature of 130 °C, leading to the production of polyethylene wax and oil. Also, functionalized polyethylene is produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the existence of positive solutions for a class of Kirchhoff equation with critical growth - a + b ∫ Ω | ∇ u | 2 d x Δ u + V (x) u = u 5 in Ω , u ∈ D 0 1 , 2 (Ω) , where a > 0 , b > 0 , V ∈ L 3 2 (Ω) is a given nonnegative function and Ω ⊆ R 3 is an exterior domain, that is, an unbounded domain with smooth boundary ∂ Ω ≠ ∅ such that R 3 \ Ω non-empty and bounded. By using barycentric functions and Brouwer degree theory to prove that there exists a positive solution u ∈ D 0 1 , 2 (Ω) if R 3 \ Ω is contained in a small ball. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most stretchable film strain sensors generally present nonlinear electrical responses to applied strain, leading to an inaccurate acquisition of sophisticated signals, difficult signal processing, and zero‐calibration, which hampers practical applications severely. Here, a Janus hetero‐structured microarray film sensor is developed by in‐situ growth of silver nanoparticles on the surface of micro‐patterned elastomer films fabricated via low‐temperature imprinting followed by scraping‐induced particle trapping. Heterogeneous property designs in both modulus and electrical conductivity via introducing polymer microarrays enable modulating the electron transport manner in the conductive layer of elastic Janus films upon stretching, allowing to tune signal linearity effectively. Therefore, such a hetero‐structured film sensor shows good signal linearity (fluctuation of gauge factor [GF] below ±0.02) and relatively high sensitivity (GF > 10) within 55% strain, a detection limit of 0.2% strain, and a response/recovery time of 16.3/46.9 ms, respectively. Correspondingly, it enables monitoring human respiration and body motion with higher resolution compared with the nonlinear one, meanwhile, it is capable of detecting tiny pressure to discriminate braille alphabets via touch identification. Overall, it unveils a simple strategy to fabricate film strain sensors for high‐resolution healthcare and body motion monitoring, as well as electronic skins toward tactile sensing and touch identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While photo-cross-linking (PXL) with alkyl diazirines can provide stringent distance restraints and offer insights into protein structures, unambiguous identification of cross-linked residues hinders data interpretation to the same level that has been achieved with chemical cross-linking (CXL). We address this challenge by developing an in-line system with systematic modulation of light intensity and irradiation time, which allows for a quantitative evaluation of diazirine photolysis and photo-reaction mechanism. Our results reveal a two-step pathway with mainly sequential generation of diazo and carbene intermediates. Diazo intermediate preferentially targets buried polar residues, many of which are inaccessible with known CXL probes for their limited reactivity. Moreover, we demonstrate that tuning light intensity and duration enhances selectivity towards polar residues by biasing diazo-mediated cross-linking reactions over carbene ones. This mechanistic dissection unlocks the full potential of PXL, paving the way for accurate distance mapping against protein structures and ultimately, unveiling protein dynamic behaviors. Photo-cross-linking (PXL) with alkyl diazirines can provide stringent distance restraints and offer insights into protein structures, but unambiguous identification of cross-linked residues hinders data interpretation. Here, the authors report a quantitative analysis of alkyl diazirine photo-cross-linking reactions and reveal a two-step mechanism, enabling selective targeting of buried polar residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robotics includes complex mathematical calculations and coordinate transformations in forward and inverse kinematics, path planning, and robot dynamics. Students may experience a high cognitive load and lose learning motivation because robotics can be complex and challenging to understand. This study applied virtual reality (VR) technology in robotics education to simplify and visualize complex robot kinematics, aiming to increase learning motivation and reduce cognitive load. This study incorporated real and virtual robot control to develop an integrated robot learning system. This system enables learners to control the digital twin of a physical robot and observe the synchronized motion of both the virtual and physical robots. Users can operate the virtual robot to achieve the target position by setting joint parameters or using values calculated from inverse kinematics. They can also understand the principle of digital twins by observing the synchronous motion of both robots. A teaching experiment was conducted to explore the performance of applying VR in robotics education and its impacts on cognitive load and learning motivation. The system was improved based on user responses to facilitate subsequent promotional activities. VR can transform complex robotics into easily understandable learning experiences and provide an interactive user interface, making the system a suitable learning tool for STEM education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mounting body of evidences suggests that patients with chronic heart failure (HF) frequently experience cognitive impairments, but the neuroanatomical mechanism underlying these impairments remains elusive. In this retrospective study, 49 chronic HF patients and 49 healthy controls (HCs) underwent brain structural MRI scans and cognitive assessments. Cortical morphology index (cortical thickness, complexity, sulcal depth and gyrification) were evaluated. Correlations between cortical morphology and cognitive scores and clinical variables were explored. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify risk factors for predicting 3‐year major adverse cardiovascular events. Compared with HCs, patients with chronic HF exhibited decreased cognitive scores (p <.001) and decreased cortical thickness, sulcal depth and gyrification in brain regions involved cognition, sensorimotor, autonomic nervous system (family‐wise error correction, all p values <.05). Notably, HF duration and New York Heart Association (NYHA) demonstrated negative correlations with abnormal cortex morphology, particularly HF duration and thickness in left precentral gyrus (r = −.387, p =.006). Cortical morphology characteristics exhibited positive associations with global cognition, particularly cortical thickness in left pars opercularis (r =.476, p <.001). NYHA class is an independent risk factor for adverse outcome (p =.001). The observed correlation between abnormal cortical morphology and global cognition suggested that cortical morphology may serve as a promising imaging biomarker and provide insights into neuroanatomical underpinnings of cognitive impairment in patients with chronic HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stimulated by the recent experimental results on the fully-charm tetraquark states, we systematically calculate the mass spectra of the fully-charm tetraquark states in 8 [ c c ¯ ] ⊗ 8 [ c c ¯ ] color configuration via QCD sum rules. By constructing nine 8 [ c c ¯ ] ⊗ 8 [ c c ¯ ] type currents with quantum numbers J PC = 0 - + , 0 - - , 1 - + , 1 + - , 1 - - and 2 + + , we perform analytic calculation up to dimension six in the operator product expansion (OPE). We find the fully-charm tetraquark states with J PC = 1 + - , 2 + + lie around 6.48 ∼ 6.62 GeV while the fully-charm tetraquark states with J PC = 0 - + , 0 - - , 1 - - , 1 - + are about 6.85 ∼ 7.02 GeV. Notably, the mass predictions for the c c ¯ c c ¯ tetraquarks, specifically those with J PC = 2 + + , align with the broad structure identified by LHCb. Moreover, the masses of fully-charm tetraquarks with J PC = 0 - + and 1 - + are anticipated to match closely with the mass of X(6900), considering the margin of error. Such findings hint at the presence of some 8 [ c c ¯ ] ⊗ 8 [ c c ¯ ] components within the di- J / ψ structures observed by LHCb. The predictions for tetraquark states with J PC = 0 - - , 1 + - , 1 - - may be accessible in the future BelleII, Super-B, PANDA, and LHCb experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical thrombectomy has emerged as a promising treatment for acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion. However, cases involving cancerous emboli retrieved during endovascular embolectomy are rare. We present a case of a 65-year-old man with a history of heavily treated rectal cancer, who developed a middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction due to metastatic adenocarcinoma. The patient presented with sudden onset right-side weakness, right facial palsy, global aphasia, and left gaze deviation, with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 16. Following intravenous thrombolysis, endovascular thrombectomy was performed, achieving nearly complete recanalization. Pathological examination of the retrieved thrombus revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma of rectal origin. The patient's neurological deficits gradually improved, and he was successfully discharged to undergo further palliative therapy. This case underscores the importance of considering mechanical thrombectomy for patients with advanced solid organ malignancy presenting with acute ischemic stroke, even when the etiology could be a tumor embolus. Our findings highlight the potential for mechanical thrombectomy to restore neurological function in such cases, allowing patients to proceed to the next level of care with a reasonably good post-stroke quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we consider the following Kirchhoff equation involving fractional Laplacian a + b [ u ] s 2 (- Δ) s u + u = | u | p - 2 u in Ω , u = 0 on R 3 \ Ω , where a , b > 0 are constants, 3 4 < s < 1 , [ u ] s is the so-called Gagliardo (semi)norm of u, 4 < p < 2 s ∗ = 6 3 - 2 s and Ω ⊂ R 3 is an exterior domain with smooth boundary ∂ Ω ≠ ∅. By establishing a global compactness lemma of the fractional Kirchhoff equation in exterior domains, we verify the compactness of Palais–Smale sequences corresponding to above problem at higher energy level interval. Then combining some crucial estimates and barycentric function, we determine the existence of positive bound state solutions provided that R 3 \ Ω is contained in a small ball. In addition, we point out that the main result can be extended to fractional Sobolev critical case with small parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We investigate a class of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation in R N - Δ u + V (x) u = | u | 2 ∗ - 2 u + λ | u | p - 2 u , where N ≥ 3 , λ > 0 and p ∈ (2 , 2 ∗) with 2 ∗ = 2 N N - 2 . Here, V (x) = V 1 (x) for x 1 > 0 and V (x) = V 2 (x) for x 1 < 0 , where V 1 , V 2 are periodic in each coordinate direction. By providing a splitting Lemma corresponding to non-periodic external potential, we obtain the existence of ground state solution for the above problem. It is worth to mention that the arguments used in this paper are also valid for the Sobolev subcritical problem studied by Dohnal et al. (Commun Math Phys 308:511–542, 2011). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a serious health problem to be solved. With the development of biomaterials, enhanced diagnostic and controllable therapeutic strategies for cancer have emerged, revealing encouraging results with a promising future. Due to its outstanding tissue penetration and controllability, along with a series of bioeffects on tissues, ultrasound (US), as a common medical technology, has been regarded as an effective tool against cancer, and its use has promoted the exploration of US‐sensitive biomaterials. In this review, the bioeffects of US are first introduced and then the main US‐sensitive biomaterials (containing cavitation nuclei, sonosensitizers, and US‐responsive macromolecular systems) used to treat cancer, followed by a summary of several applications based on US‐sensitive biomaterials, from diagnosis to therapy. Finally, the emerging challenges in this field that need to be overcome are highlighted. This review reports the progress of US‐sensitive biomaterials, providing new possibilities in cancer theranostics and thus benefiting patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The moiré superlattice structure has become a subject of intense interest due to its unique and intriguing properties. Key to the success of its applications is the precise manipulation of morphologies that determines the ultimate functionalities. To achieve such a goal is, however, very challenging. In this work, we present an approach for tuning moiré superlattices of suspended van der Waals structures through out-of-plane deformation. By studying the influence of out-of-plane deformation on interlayer sliding and atomic reconstruction in bilayer van der Waals structures, it is observed that interlayer sliding can overcome van der Waals potential barriers, resulting in stacking mode variations. Detailed analysis show that contraction and rotation of moiré patterns are induced, and leads to changes in the wavelength of the moiré superlattice. The approach outlined here offers opportunities for controlling and manipulating moiré superlattices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene-based hydrogels have a broad application prospect in various fields due to their excellent adsorption, electrical conductivity, water retention, flexibility, etc. In this work, polydopamine/reduced graphene oxide (PDA/rGO) composite hydrogel was prepared using water bath heating. The prepared PDA/rGO hydrogel has high swelling ratio, good adhesiveness, and self-healing ability. Furthermore, the generation of electric current was observed when pressure was applied to the PDA/rGO hydrogel filled with NaCl solution, indicating the self-powered property of the hydrogel. The PDA/rGO hydrogel is self-powered because the negative groups on the hydrogel matrix attract cations from the NaCl solution, leaving mobile negative ions in the solution. The pressure-induced flow of liquid in the hydrogel' s nanochannels drives the migration of mobile ions through the channels, generating a net ionic flow. These properties of PDA/rGO hydrogel suggest that the material would be promising for power sources of wearable devices by harvesting ambient mechanical energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study an initial-boundary value problem of two-dimensional nonhomogeneous asymmetric fluids with magnetic field and density-dependent viscosity μ (ρ) . Applying Desjardins' interpolation inequality and delicate energy estimates, we show the global-in-time existence of a unique strong solution when ‖ ∇ μ (ρ 0) ‖ L q is properly small. Moreover, we prove that the velocity, the micro-rotational velocity, and the magnetic field converge exponentially to zero in H 2 as time goes to infinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the following nonlinear Choquard equation with prescribed L 2 -norm constraint - Δ u = λ u + (| x | - 1 ∗ | u | 2) u in Ω , u = 0 on ∂ Ω , ∫ Ω | u | 2 d x = a 2 , where a > 0 , λ ∈ R appears as an unknown Lagrange multiplier and Ω ⊂ R 3 is an exterior domain with smooth boundary ∂ Ω ≠ ∅ such that R 3 \ Ω is bounded. By using the splitting lemma for the unconstrained problem in exterior domains, we prove the compactness of Palais–Smale sequences corresponding to the above problem at higher energy levels. Then combining the barycentric function and Brouwer degree theory, we establish the existence of positive normalized bound states for any a > 0 provided that R 3 \ Ω is contained in a small ball and explain that the restriction on domain Ω can be equivalently transferred to a. In addition, under the radial setting of domain Ω , we use genus theory to obtain the existence and multiplicity of radial normalized solutions for any a > 0 . Finally, we point out that the main results can be extended to a general mass subcritical Choquard equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: As the competition to retain current and attract new mobile payment app users intensifies, meeting users' needs has become fundamental for mobile payment app service providers to stay competitive. This study aims to investigate the relationship between users' needs, users' attitude towards mobile payment apps and users' continuance intention to use mobile payment apps. Design/methodology/approach: Following an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design, this study first conducted three focus groups in the qualitative phase to investigate issues or concerns faced by current users of mobile payment apps. The study then conducted an online questionnaire survey in the quantitative phase to collect responses from users of mobile payment apps. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyse 110 valid responses. Findings: Findings show that usefulness (modelled as a second-order reflective construct consisting of three first-order reflective constructs, i.e. ease of use, acceptability and responsiveness), traceability and security had a statistically significant relationship with attitude towards mobile payment apps (which in turn had a statistically significant relationship with continuance intention to use mobile payment apps). It was also found that attitude towards mobile payment mediated the relationships between usefulness, traceability and security; and continuance intention to use mobile payment apps. Practical implications: The findings of this study can help mobile payment app service providers and developers design apps that offer the functions and features that their users need. Originality/value: Although some recent studies have investigated the adoption of mobile payments in the Malaysian context, few of these studies examined current users' continuance intention to use mobile payment apps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased use of digital technology in higher education requires university students to be digitally proficient. The main objective of this study is to examine the extent to which university students' proficiency in various digital competences could be helpful towards their learning performance. This study adopted DigComp 2.2 to design a data collection instrument for an online questionnaire survey and conducted data analysis on the valid 314 responses using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM). The findings indicate that, with the exception of safety, the digital competence areas of information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, digital content creation, and problem solving were significant to student learning performance. The findings also revealed that students' current semester had no significant moderating effect on the relationships between their proficiency in digital competence areas and learning performance, with the exception of a relationship between information and data literacy and learning performance, as well as a relationship between problem solving and learning performance, between respondents in semesters 3 and 4, and between respondents in semesters 5 and 6, respectively. The findings contribute to a better understanding of DigComp 2.2's applicability in higher education and can be used by educational institutions and educators to design learning activities and formative assessments that can help students improve their digital competence proficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) and Kluyveromyces marxianus (K. marxianus) are often used as fermenters in yogurt and alcohol, and have been less studied within meat products. The yeasts were added to sauce meat, and the uninoculated group served as a control in this study to examine and compare the changing patterns of physicochemical and flavor characteristics of S. cerevisiae and K. marxianus on sauce meat during storage. The changes in moisture content, aw, pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and other flavor characteristics were measured in sauce meat during the first, second, fourth, and sixth months after production. The following factors were examined: moisture content, aw, pH, TBARS, peroxide value (POV), acid value (AV), soluble protein (SP), free amino acid (FAA), and volatile flavoring compounds. With VIP > 1 and p < 0.05 as the screening conditions, the partial least squares model (PLS-DA) was used to assess the distinctive flavor components in the sausages. The findings demonstrated that the three groups' changes in sauce meat were comparable during the first two months of storage but differed significantly between the 4th and 6th months. The moisture content, water activity, and pH of the sauce meat decreased gradually with the storage time; TBARS, AV, and FAA increased significantly; SP decreased significantly from 2.61 to 1.72, while POV increased to 0.03 and then decreased to 0.02. The POV and TBARS values of the yeast-infected meat were substantially lower than those of the control group, and the POV and TBARS values of the meat inoculated with S. cerevisiae were particularly decreased (p < 0.05). The POV and TBARS values of SC (S. cerevisiae group) decreased by 49.09% and 40.15%, respectively, compared to CK (the control group) at the time of storage until June. The experimental group (KM: K. marxianus group) significantly increased the SP and FAA values of the sauce meat (p < 0.05) by 32.4% and 29.84% compared to the CK group, respectively. Esters and olefins as well as alcohols and esters were much greater in meat that had been supplemented with S. cerevisiae and K. marxianus than in meat from the control group. In conclusion, inoculating sauce meat with S. cerevisiae can significantly enhance the quality and flavor of sauce meat while it is being stored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Metallacyclopentadienes are important metallacycles and regarded as intermediates in many reactions, therefore, new methods to achieve them are anticipated. In this study, a formal [3+2] method, through the reactions of an osmapentalyne with benzyl carbanions, was developed. The reactions underwent a nucleophilic attack of carbanions to the Os≡C bond, followed by C—H activation to form the five‐membered osmacyclopentadiene ring. Most of the reactions were carried out at room temperature, the substituents on the aromatic rings of benzyl carbanions are diverse, and the resulting products contain an Os—H bond, representing a novel type of 10C‐carbolong complexes. This work provides a new convenient route to construct metallacyclopentadienes, which is expected to further promote the development of such a type of substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the prognostic value of radiomics features based on late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Methods: This retrospective study included 120 CA patients undergoing CMR at three institutions. Radiomics features were extracted from global and three different segments (base, mid-ventricular, and apex) of left ventricular (LV) on short-axis LGE images. Primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The predictive performance of the radiomics features and semi-quantitative and quantitative LGE parameters were compared by ROC. The AUC was used to observe whether Rad-score had an incremental value for clinical stage. The Kaplan–Meier curve was used to further stratify the risk of CA patients. Results: During a median follow-up of 12.9 months, 30% (40/120) patients died. There was no significant difference in the predictive performance of the radiomics model in different LV sections in the validation set (AUCs of the global, basal, middle, and apical radiomics model were 0.75, 0.77, 0.76, and 0.77, respectively; all p > 0.05). The predictive performance of the Rad-score of the base-LV was better than that of the LGE total enhancement mass (AUC:0.77 vs. 0.54, p < 0.001) and LGE extent (AUC: 0.77 vs. 0.53, p = 0.004). Rad-score combined with Mayo stage had better predictive performance than Mayo stage alone (AUC: 0.86 vs. 0.81, p = 0.03). Rad-score (≥ 0.66) contributed to the risk stratification of all-cause mortality in CA. Conclusions: Compared to quantitative LGE parameters, radiomics can better predict all-cause mortality in CA, while the combination of radiomics and Mayo stage could provide higher predictive accuracy. Clinical relevance statement: Radiomics analysis provides incremental value and improved risk stratification for all-cause mortality in patients with cardiac amyloidosis. Key Points: • Radiomics in LV-base was superior to LGE semi-quantitative and quantitative parameters for predicting all-cause mortality in CA. • Rad-score combined with Mayo stage had better predictive performance than Mayo stage alone or radiomics alone. • Rad-score ≥ 0.66 was associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality in CA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we research the following Kirchhoff type problem with critical growth (1) $$\begin{equation} \begin{cases} -\left(a+b\int_{\mathbb{R}^{3}}{|\nabla u|^{2}} \,{\rm d}x\right) \Delta u+ u \\ = \lambda f(x)|u|^{q-2}u+|u|^{4}u, & x\in \mathbb{R}^3,\\ u>0, & u\in H^1(\mathbb{R}^{3}), \end{cases} \end{equation}$$ { − (a + b ∫ R 3 | ∇ u | 2 d x) Δ u + u = λ f (x) | u | q − 2 u + | u | 4 u , x ∈ R 3 , u > 0 , u ∈ H 1 (R 3) , where 10 is a positive constant, $ b,\lambda >0 $ b , λ > 0 are real parameters and $ f\in L^{\frac {6}{6-q}}(\mathbb {R}^3) $ f ∈ L 6 6 − q (R 3) is a nonzero nonnegative function. We prove the problem has at least two positive solutions by using concentration compactness principle and variational method when b is sufficiently small. Moreover, we also explore the asymptotic behaviour of the positive solutions as $ b_n\stackrel {n}{\to } 0^{+} $ b n → n 0 + . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately distinguishing between enantiomeric molecules is a fundamental challenge in the field of chemistry. However, there is still significant room for improvement in both the enantiomeric selectivity (KR(S)/KS(R)) and binding strength of most reported macrocyclic chiral receptors to meet the demands of practical application scenarios. Herein, we synthesized a water‐soluble conjugated tubular host—namely, corral[4]BINOL—using a chiral 1,1′‐bi‐2‐naphthol (BINOL) derivative as the repeating unit. The conjugated chiral backbone endows corral[4]BINOL with good fluorescent emission (QY=34 %) and circularly polarized luminescence (|glum| up to 1.4×10−3) in water. Notably, corral[4]BINOL exhibits high recognition affinity up to 8.6×1010 M−1 towards achiral guests in water, and manifested excellent enantioselectivity up to 18.7 towards chiral substrates, both of which represent the highest values observed among chiral macrocycles in aqueous solution. The ultrastrong binding strength, outstanding enantioselectivity, and facile accessibility, together with the superior fluorescent and chiroptical properties, endow corral[4]BINOL with great potential for a wide range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately distinguishing between enantiomeric molecules is a fundamental challenge in the field of chemistry. However, there is still significant room for improvement in both the enantiomeric selectivity (KR(S)/KS(R)) and binding strength of most reported macrocyclic chiral receptors to meet the demands of practical application scenarios. Herein, we synthesized a water‐soluble conjugated tubular host—namely, corral[4]BINOL—using a chiral 1,1′‐bi‐2‐naphthol (BINOL) derivative as the repeating unit. The conjugated chiral backbone endows corral[4]BINOL with good fluorescent emission (QY=34 %) and circularly polarized luminescence (|glum| up to 1.4×10−3) in water. Notably, corral[4]BINOL exhibits high recognition affinity up to 8.6×1010 M−1 towards achiral guests in water, and manifested excellent enantioselectivity up to 18.7 towards chiral substrates, both of which represent the highest values observed among chiral macrocycles in aqueous solution. The ultrastrong binding strength, outstanding enantioselectivity, and facile accessibility, together with the superior fluorescent and chiroptical properties, endow corral[4]BINOL with great potential for a wide range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the following fractional Schrödinger equations with prescribed L 2 -norm constraint: (- Δ) s u = λ u + h (ε x) f (u) in R N , ∫ R N | u | 2 d x = a 2 , where 0 < s < 1 , N ≥ 3 , a , ε > 0 , h ∈ C (R N , R +) and f ∈ C (R , R) . In the mass subcritical case but under general assumptions on f, we prove the multiplicity of normalized solutions to this problem. Specifically, we show that the number of normalized solutions is at least the number of global maximum points of h when ε is small enough. Before that, without any restrictions on ε and the number of global maximum points, the existence of normalized ground states can be determined. In this sense, by studying the relationship between h 0 : = inf x ∈ R N h (x) and h ∞ : = lim | x | → ∞ h (x) , we establish new results on the existence of normalized ground states for nonautonomous elliptic equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer properties can be altered via lithium ion doping, whereby adsorbed Li+ binds with H2O within the polymer chain. However, direct spectroscopic evidence of the tightness of Li+/H2O binding in the solid state is limited, and the impact of Li+ on polymer sidechain packing is rarely reported. Here, we investigate a polystyrene/H2O/LiCl system using solid-state NMR, from which we determined a dipolar coupling of 11.4 kHz between adsorbed Li+ and H2O protons. This coupling corroborates a model whereby Li+ interacts with the oxygen atom in H2O via charge affinity, which we believe is the main driving force of Li+ binding. We demonstrated the impact of hydrated Li+ on sidechain packing and dynamics in polystyrene using proton-detected solid-state NMR. Experimental data and density functional theory (DFT) simulations revealed that the addition of Li+ and the increase in the hydration levels of Li+, coupled with aromatic ring binding, change the energy barrier of sidechain packing and dynamics and, consequently, changes the glass transition temperature of polystyrene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are concerned with the global well-posedness of strong solutions to the Cauchy problem of nonhomogeneous Navier–Stokes equations with density-dependent viscosity and vacuum in R 3 . With the help of energy method, we prove the global existence and uniqueness of strong solutions provided that the initial mass is properly small. In particular, the initial velocity can be arbitrarily large. This improves He, Li, and Lü's work [Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 239, 1809–1835 (2021)]. Moreover, we also extend the result of Liu [Discrete Contin. Dyn. Syst. B 26, 1291–1303 (2021)] to the case that large oscillations of the solutions are allowed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Methyltransferase like 1 (METTL1) regulates epitranscriptomes via the m7G modification in mammalian mRNA and microRNA. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is caused by abnormal immune reactivity and has diverse clinical manifestations. RNA methylation as a mechanism to regulate gene expression is widely implicated in immune regulation. However, the role of m7G in immune response of SLE has not been extensively studied.Patients and Methods: Expression of METTL1 was identified in the public dataset GSE122459 and validated in an independent cohort of SLE patients. We investigated the association between METTL1-expression and clinical manifestations of SLE. Subsequently, differentially expressed genes (DEG) that were correlated with METTL1-expression in GSE122459 were used for functional enrichment analysis. The correlation between infiltrating immune cells and METTL1, as well as candidate biomarkers identified to be correlated with either METTL1 or immune cell infiltration were assessed by single-sample GSEA. Potential mechanisms were explored with Gene ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment. Diagnostic performances of candidate biomarkers in SLE were analyzed.Results: The mRNA and protein expression of METTL1 in SLE patients were significantly decreased in both datasets. METTL1-coexpressed DEGs were enriched in several key immune-related pathways. Activated CD8 T cells, activated CD4 T cells, memory B cells and type 2 helper T cells were different between patients with high and low METTL1 expression. Further, activated CD8 T-cells, activated CD4 T-cells, memory B-cells were correlated with METTL1. The genes of LAMP3, CD83, PDCD1LG2, IGKVD3D-20, IGKV5-2, IGKV2D-30, IGLV3-19 and IGLV4-60 were identified as candidate targets that were correlated with immune cell proportion. Moreover, LAMP3, CD83, and PDCD1LG2 expression were of diagnostic value in SLE as indicated by ROC analysis.Conclusion: Our findings suggested that METTL1 and its candidate targets LAMP3, CD83, PDCD1LG2 may be used for diagnosing SLE and could be explored for developing targeted molecular therapy for SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WTAP-VIRMA counteracts dsDNA binding of the m6A writer METTL3-METTL14 complex and maintains N6-adenosine methylation activity Therefore, the RGG of METTL14 helps METTL3-METTL14 bind to nucleic acids and supports the interaction between METTL3-METTL14 and WTAP-VIRMA. Upon addition of the unlabeled WTAP-VIRMA SP 381-1486 sp , ssRNA SB GGACU sb , ssRNA SB UUUUU sb , or dsDNA SB 50 sb to the SP 15 sp N-labeled RGG, a similar set of peaks were found to be perturbed, meaning that WTAP-VIRMA SP 381-1486 sp , dsDNA SB 50 sb , ssRNA SB GGACU sb , and ssRNA SB UUUUU sb interact with the RGG of METTL3-METTL14 via a similar interface, which may lead to their competitive binding to METTL3-METTL14. In METTL3-METTL14, two types of nucleic acid-binding domains were identified[2], including the zinc finger domain (ZFD) in METTL3 and the RGG motif (RGG) in METTL14. [Extracted from the article]

In this paper, we consider the following Schrödinger-Poisson system { − Δ u + V (x) u + ϕ u = | u | p − 2 u + λ K (x) | u | q − 2 u i n R 3 , − Δ ϕ = u 2 i n R 3. Under the weakly coercive assumption on V and an appropriate condition on K , we investigate the cases when the nonlinearities are of concave-convex type, that is, 1 < q < 2 and 4 < p < 6 . By constructing a nonempty closed subset of the sign-changing Nehari manifold, we establish the existence of least energy sign-changing solutions provided that λ ∈ (− ∞ , λ ∗) , where λ ∗ > 0 is a constant. In this paper, we consider the following Schrödinger-Poisson system Under the weakly coercive assumption on and an appropriate condition on , we investigate the cases when the nonlinearities are of concave-convex type, that is, and . By constructing a nonempty closed subset of the sign-changing Nehari manifold, we establish the existence of least energy sign-changing solutions provided that , where is a constant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioral observation plays an essential role in the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by analyzing children's atypical patterns in social activities (e.g., impaired social interaction, restricted interests, and repetitive behavior). To date, this process still heavily relies on the questionnaire survey, clinical observation, or retrospective video analysis, leading to high demand for professionals with massive labor costs. This article proposes a standardized platform for stimulating, gathering, analyzing, modeling, and interpreting human behavioral data in the application of computer-aided ASD diagnosis. By a structured assessment process, the proposed system can automatically evaluate children's multiple social interaction skills using the captured audio-visual data and provide the final diagnostic suggestions. We collect a multimodal behavioral database of 95 participants (71 children with ASD and 24 age-matched typical controls) in a real clinic environment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, China. On the clinical database, our proposed computer-aided ASD diagnosis system obtains an accuracy of 88.42% for identifying ASD children with an average age of 24 months, representing a performance comparable to top-level human experts. As a unified and replicable solution, it has good potential to be promoted to less developed areas with limited high-quality medical resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endobronchial ultrasonography-guided transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy (EBUS-TBNA) has been used for more than 10 years in China. Its clinical application and diagnostic value in different diseases with large sample was lack of report. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed about the application and diagnostic value of EBUS-TBNA in different disease of patients in Respiratory Intervention Center of Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health from January 2012 to July 2020. Results: A total 5758 patients were included with 182 patients excluded for lack of information. Finally, data of 5576 patients (3798 males and 1778 females) were analyzed. For anesthetize, most patients were undergoing general anesthesia of intravenous with spontaneous breathing (69.4%), followed by general anesthesia of intravenous and inhalation with tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation (17.9%) and conscious sedation and analgesia (12.8%). Lymph nodes were the main sites of biopsy obtained (76.4%). Tumors accounted for the highest proportion of disease (66.4%), followed by infection diseases (9.9%), sarcoidosis (3.9%), lymphoma (1.1%), and others (18.7%). The sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA for diagnosis of tumor was 89.7%, and 40.8% for infection diseases. There were significant differences in the puncture site and proportions of diseases between male and females (both p < 0.05). Higher diagnostic value was found in male patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: EBUS-TBNA has good diagnostic value for different mediastinal and central pulmonary space-occupying lesions diseases, with highest sensitivity for tumors. Higher diagnostic value was found in male patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the existence and concentration of positive solutions for the following quasilinear Schrödinger equation QS - Δ u + λ V (x) u + κ 2 [ Δ (u 2) ] u = μ f (u) , x ∈ R N , u ∈ H 1 (R N) , where N ≥ 3 and κ , λ > 0 , μ ≥ 1 are parameters. f is a continuous function satisfying some local assumptions near the origin. Under some appropriate assumptions on the potential V, the existence of positive solutions is obtained for λ > 0 large enough by using a change of variables arguments and L ∞ -estimates. Besides, we also establish the asymptotic behavior of positive solutions to the problem (QS) as λ → + ∞ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The long-term efficacy of the Dumon stent in the treatment of benign airway stenosis is unclear. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of the Dumon stent in patients with benign airway stenosis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with benign airway stenosis who were treated with a Dumon stent at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between March 2014 and October 2021. We included patients with successful removal of silicone stents after implantation. The clinical data and information on bronchoscopic interventional procedures and related complications were collected and analyzed. Results: Ninety-nine patients with benign airway stenosis were included. The stent was placed mainly in the trachea (44.4%) and left main bronchus (43.4%). The main type of stenosis was post-tuberculosis bronchial stenosis (57.6%). The overall cure rate was 60.6%. Stent-related complications included retention of secretions (70.7%), granuloma formation (67.7%), stent angulation (21.2%), and stent migration (12.1%). The stent was less effective for left main bronchus stenosis (p = 0.012). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that stent placement for more than 13 months, a stent-intervention number of ⩽ 1 predicted a favorable outcome. Conclusion: The efficacy and safety of the Dumon stent for benign airway stenosis need improvement. The stent is less effective for left main bronchus stenosis; regular follow-up is required in such cases. Stent placement for > 13 months and no more than once stent intervention within a 6-month period were associated with a favorable outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we study the mass spectrum of the low-lying triply heavy hybrid baryon, which consists of three valence heavy quarks in a color octet and one valence gluon, with spin-parity J P = (1 2) + via QCD sum rules. This is the first study on the triply heavy hybrid baryons in the framework of QCD sum rules. After performing the QCD sum rule analysis, we find that the mass of cccg hybrid baryon lies in M cccg = 5.91–6.13 GeV. As a byproduct, the mass of the triply bottom hybrid baryon state is extracted to be around M bbbg = 14.62–14.82 GeV. The contributions up to dimension eight at the leading order of α s (LO) in the operator product expansion are taken into account in the calculation. The triply charmed hybrid baryon predicted in this work can decay into one doubly charmed baryon and one charmed meson. Especially, we propose to search for cccg hybrid baryon with J P = (1 / 2) + in the P-wave decay channels Ξ cc + + D 0 , Ξ cc + D + , and Ξ ccs + D s + , which may be accessible in future BelleII, Super-B, PANDA, and LHCb experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rare Metals is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Phenine nanotubes (PNTs) have recently been synthesized as a promising new one-dimensional material for high-performance electronics. The periodically distributed vacancy defects in PNTs result in novel semiconducting properties, but may also compromise their mechanical properties. However, the role of these defects in modifying the structural and mechanical properties is not yet well understood. To address this, we conducted systematic molecular dynamics simulations investigating the structural evolution and mechanical responses of PNTs under various conditions. Our results demonstrated that the twisting of linear carbon chains in both armchair and zigzag PNTs led to interesting structural transitions, which were sensitive to chiralities and diameters. Additionally, when subjected to tensile and compressive loading, PNTs' cross-sectional geometry and untwisting of linear carbon chains resulted in distinct mechanical properties compared to carbon nanotubes. Our findings provide comprehensive insights into the fundamental properties of these new structures while uncovering a new mechanism for modifying the mechanical properties of one-dimensional nanostructures through the twisting–untwisting of linear carbon chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on mechanical properties of blue phosphorus nanotubes (BluePNTs) from systematic molecular dynamics simulations, adopting a Stillinger-Weber potential with parameters determined by fitting to energetic and structural data from first-principles calculations. Our results corroborate the previously reported bending poison effect and size-dependent buckling behaviors. Under axial compression, current simulations predict a shell-to-column buckling mode transition for BluePNTs with increasing aspect ratios; further compression of BluePNTs with large aspect ratios results in a column-to-shell buckling mode transition. Associated critical buckling strains can be described by the continuum mechanics theory. We also simulated buckling behavior of black phosphorus nanotubes (BlackPNTs) and found that the buckling modes of BluePNTs exhibit much less chirality dependence compared to BlackPNTs, stemming from subtle structural differences between these two closely related yet distinct systems. The present results offer insights into key structural and mechanical properties of BluePNTs for fundamental understanding and potential applications of this relatively new member of the large and diverse nanotube family of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As radiation therapy is increasingly utilized in the treatment of cancer, neuropathic pain (NP) is a common radiotherapy-related adverse effect and has a significant impact on clinical outcomes negatively. However, despite an improved understanding of neuropathic pain management, pain is often undertreated in patients with cancer. Herein, we reported two cases with radiotherapy-related neuropathic pain (RRNP) who presented a positive reaction to acupuncture. Patient 1 (a 73-year-old woman) with gynecologic cancer complained of burning and electric shock-like pain in the lower limb after radiotherapy. With the accepted combination of acupuncture and drugs, the pain was alleviated completely in 8 weeks. Patient 2 (a 64-year-old woman) accepted acupuncture in the absence of medication because of her inability to tolerate the adverse events of anticonvulsant drugs. She achieved remission of pain 4 weeks later. The results of this study showed that acupuncture might be promising for controlling the RRNP in patients with cancer, especially who were intolerant or unresponsive to medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keto-enol tautomerism, describing an equilibrium involving two tautomers with distinctive structures, provides a promising platform for modulating nanoscale charge transport. However, such equilibria are generally dominated by the keto form, while a high isomerization barrier limits the transformation to the enol form, suggesting a considerable challenge to control the tautomerism. Here, we achieve single-molecule control of a keto-enol equilibrium at room temperature by using a strategy that combines redox control and electric field modulation. Based on the control of charge injection in the single-molecule junction, we could access charged potential energy surfaces with opposite thermodynamic driving forces, i.e., exhibiting a preference for the conducting enol form, while the isomerization barrier is also significantly reduced. Thus, we could selectively obtain desired and stable tautomers, which leads to significant modulation of the single-molecule conductance. This work highlights the concept of single-molecule control of chemical reactions on more than one potential energy surface. Keto-enol tautomerism offers a promising platform for modulating charge transport at the nanoscale. Here, the authors show that the keto-enol equilibrium can be modulated on the single-molecule scale by controlling charge injection in a two-terminal junction system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Cosmetic Science is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this paper, we investigate the existence of a least energy sign-changing solution for the following Schrödinger-Kirchhoff equation SK - (a + b ∫ R 3 | ∇ u | 2 d x) Δ u + V (x) u = f (x , u) , x ∈ R 3 , u ∈ H 1 (R 3) where a , b > 0 are parameters, V ∈ C (R 3 , R +) and f ∈ C (R 3 × R , R) . The potential function V satisfies some suitable conditions and the nonlinearity f satisfies mild assumptions. By using sign-changing Nehari manifold, we prove that this problem possesses a ground state sign-changing solution with precisely two nodal domains, and its energy is strictly larger than twice that of ground state solutions. Besides, we obtain a convergence property of u b n as b n ↘ 0 . Our results unify asymptotically cubic, which enrich and improve the previous ones in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the sign-changing solutions to the following Schrödinger-Poisson system - Δ u + V (x) u + λ ϕ (x) u = f (u) , x ∈ R 3 , - Δ ϕ = u 2 , x ∈ R 3 , where λ > 0 is a parameter and f is super 2-linear at infinity. By using the method of invariant sets of descending flow and a multiple critical points theorem, we prove that this system possesses infinitely many sign-changing solutions for any λ > 0 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]