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We report an experimental investigation on the effect of ground-state charge transfer and its induced electric field on photoexcited charge transfer in van der Waals heterostructures. Two heterostructure samples were fabricated by stacking an undoped WSe2 monolayer with either a Nb-doped or undoped MoSe2 monolayer. While no ground-state charge transfer is expected in the MoSe2/WSe2 heterostructure, the doped holes in the MoSe2:Nb/WSe2 heterostructure can transfer to WSe2, creating a space-charge electric field. By comparing the photoluminescence and time-resolved differential reflectance of the two heterostructures, we find that photoexcited hole transfer from MoSe2 to WSe2 is largely blocked by this field, whereas photoexcited electron transfer from WSe2 to MoSe2 is less affected. These results provide insight into the impact of doping on the charge-transfer performance of van der Waals heterostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of accelerated urbanization, assessing the quality of the existing built environment plays a crucial role in urban renewal. In the existing research and use of deep learning models, most categories are urban construction areas, forest land, farmland, and other categories. These categories are not conducive to a more accurate analysis of the spatial distribution characteristics of urban green space, parking space, blue space, and square. A small sample of refined land use classification data for urban built-up areas was produced using remote sensing images. The large-scale remote sensing images were classified using deep learning models, with the objective of inferring the fine land category of each tile image. In this study, satellite remote sensing images of four cities, Handan, Shijiazhuang, Xingtai, and Tangshan, were acquired by Google Class 19 RGB three-channel satellite remote sensing images to establish a data set containing fourteen urban land use classifications. The convolutional neural network model EfficientNetV2 is used to train and validate the network framework that performs well on computer vision tasks and enables intelligent image classification of urban remote sensing images. The model classification effect is compared and analyzed through accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. The results show that the EfficientNetV2 model has a classification recognition accuracy of 84.56% on the constructed data set. The testing set accuracy increases sequentially after transfer learning. This paper verifies that the proposed research framework has good practicality and that the results of the land use classification are conducive to the fine-grained quantitative analysis of built-up environmental quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From quantum communications to quantum computing, single-photon emitters (SPEs) are essential components of numerous quantum technologies. Two-dimensional (2D) materials have especially been found to be highly attractive for the research into nanoscale light–matter interactions. In particular, localized photonic states at their surfaces have attracted great attention due to their enormous potential applications in quantum optics. Recently, SPEs have been achieved in various 2D materials, while the challenges still remain. This paper reviews the recent research progress on these SPEs based on various 2D materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), and twisted-angle 2D materials. Additionally, we summarized the strategies to create, position, enhance, and tune the emission wavelength of these emitters by introducing external fields into these 2D system. For example, pronounced enhancement of the SPEs' properties can be achieved by coupling with external fields, such as the plasmonic field, and by locating in optical microcavities. Finally, this paper also discusses current challenges and offers perspectives that could further stimulate scientific research in this field. These emitters, due to their unique physical properties and integration potential, are highly appealing for applications in quantum information and communication, as well as other physical and technological fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore 1) the level of shared decision-making (SDM) participation in intraocular lens (IOL) selection in cataract patients and the factors that influence this participation and 2) the relationships between preparation for decision-making (PrepDM)and the level of SDM participation and satisfaction with the decision (SWD). Provide guidance for improving SDM in ophthalmology. Patients and Methods: 176 cataract patients were asked to complete the PrepDM scale, the 9-item Shared Decision Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9) and the SWD instrument in IOL decision-making process. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of the level of SDM. The Process program and bootstrap sampling method was used to test whether the level of participation in SDM was a mediating variable among the three. Results: The SDM-Q-9 median score was 77.78 (IQR 31.11– 88.89). Patients with a history of surgery in the operative eye (P=0.022) or PrepDM < 60 points (P< 0.001) had lower SDM-Q-9 scores than patients with no history of surgery in the operative eye or PrepDM ≥ 60 points. Patients with an education level lower than primary school had lower SDM-Q-9 scores than patients with other education levels (P< 0.05). The PrepDM of cataract patients was positively correlated with the level of SDM (r=0.768, P< 0.001) and with the SWD (r=0.727, P< 0.001), and the level of SDM was positively correlated with the SWD (r=0.856, P< 0.001). The level of SDM fully mediated PrepDM and SDW, with a mediating effect value of 0.128 and a mediating effect of 86.66% of the total effect. Conclusion: The SDM of cataract patients involved in IOL selection was in the upper middle range. Education, history of surgery in the operated eye, and PrepDM were factors that influenced the level of SDM. The level of participation in SDM fully mediated the relationship between PrepDM and SWD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stacking single layers of atoms on top of each other provides a fundamental way to achieve novel material systems and engineer their physical properties, which offers opportunities for exploring fundamental physics and realizing next-generation optoelectronic devices. Among the two-dimensional (2D)-stacked systems, transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) heterostructures are particularly attractive because they host tightly-bonded interlayer excitons which possess various novel and appealing properties. These interlayer excitons have drawn significant research attention and hold high potential for the application in unique optoelectronic devices, such as polarization- and wavelength-tunable single photon emitters, valley Hall transistors, and possible high-temperature superconductors. The development of these devices requires a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental properties of these interlayer excitons and the impact of electric fields on their behaviors. In this review, we summarize the recent advances on the understanding of interlayer exciton dynamics under electric fields in TMDC heterostructures. We put emphasis on the electrical modulation of interlayer excitons' emission, the valley Hall transport of charge carriers after the separation of interlayer excitons by an electric field, and the correlation physics of interlayer excitons and charges under electrical doping and tuning. Challenges and perspectives are finally discussed for the application of TMDC heterostructures in future optoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes distress (DD) is a negative emotion related to diabetes management and a predictor of depression; it affects diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients' quality of life and disease outcomes. The prevalence of DD was higher in patients undergoing surgery for DR. However, few studies have been conducted on DD in DR surgery patients. The present study aims to investigate the status of DD in DR surgery patients and identify factors associated with DD. Methods: Using a convenience sampling method, 210 DR surgery patients who were admitted to 2 tertiary-level hospitals in Wenzhou City (Zhejiang Province) and Zhengzhou City (Henan Province) from February to June 2023 were selected as research subjects. A questionnaire collecting demographic and disease-related information, the Diabetes Distress Scale, the Summary of Diabetes Self-Management Activities, the Family Care Index Scale, and the Social Support Rating Scale were used to collect data. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t tests, ANOVAs, Pearson's correlation analyses and stepwise multiple linear regression. This study is reported according to the STROBE guidelines. Results: In total, 156 out of 210 (74.29%) DR surgery patients experienced DD, with an average score of 2.13± 0.63. The results of the stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that residential location, employment status, self-management level, family support, and social support were significantly associated with DD. These variables accounted for 30.6% of the total variation in DD. Conclusions: DR surgery patients exhibit moderate levels of distress. Health care professionals should pay attention to DD in DR surgery patients and develop targeted interventions to improve the self-management ability of these patients, increase their family support and social support to reduce their DD levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes distress (DD) is a negative emotion related to diabetes management and a predictor of depression; it affects diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients' quality of life and disease outcomes. The prevalence of DD was higher in patients undergoing surgery for DR. However, few studies have been conducted on DD in DR surgery patients. The present study aims to investigate the status of DD in DR surgery patients and identify factors associated with DD. Methods: Using a convenience sampling method, 210 DR surgery patients who were admitted to 2 tertiary-level hospitals in Wenzhou City (Zhejiang Province) and Zhengzhou City (Henan Province) from February to June 2023 were selected as research subjects. A questionnaire collecting demographic and disease-related information, the Diabetes Distress Scale, the Summary of Diabetes Self-Management Activities, the Family Care Index Scale, and the Social Support Rating Scale were used to collect data. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t tests, ANOVAs, Pearson's correlation analyses and stepwise multiple linear regression. This study is reported according to the STROBE guidelines. Results: In total, 156 out of 210 (74.29%) DR surgery patients experienced DD, with an average score of 2.13± 0.63. The results of the stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that residential location, employment status, self-management level, family support, and social support were significantly associated with DD. These variables accounted for 30.6% of the total variation in DD. Conclusions: DR surgery patients exhibit moderate levels of distress. Health care professionals should pay attention to DD in DR surgery patients and develop targeted interventions to improve the self-management ability of these patients, increase their family support and social support to reduce their DD levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes array antennas based on half Tyler (HT) distribution that can realize omnidirectional null-free (ONF) beams. Array 1 employs the usual edge feeding approach, working at 3.5 GHz with a bandwidth of 0.25 GHz, whereas array 2 operates at 26 GHz with a bandwidth of 3 GHz. We evaluated the far-field performance of linear arrays consisting of 6, 8, 12, and 16 elements. The simulation and measurement results show that the proposed HT approach can achieve a near-ONF pattern and cover a broad area of ±42° on an eight-element linear array. The ONF beam reduces community power fluctuations and increases power by 20 dBm in surrounding areas of the base station (BS). The fluctuation treatment effect can be influenced by adjusting the weighting of sidelobe depression (dp): compared to the uniformly excited one, for example, the maximum ONF gain of an eight-element linear operating at 3.5 GHz is only reduced by 0.5 dB when dp = −30 and by 1–2 dB when dp = −60. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the prognostic value of lymph node status in patients with cervical cancer (CC) patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and followed hysterectomy. Patients in two referral centers were retrospectively analyzed. The baseline tumor size and radiological lymph node status (LNr) were evaluated on pre-NACT MRI. Tumor histology, differentiation and pathological lymph node status (LNp) were obtained from post-operative specimen. The log-rank test was used to compare survival between patient groups. Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of various factors with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). A total of 266 patients were included. Patients with 2018 FIGO IIIC showed worse PFS compared to those with FIGO IB-IIB (p < 0.001). The response rate in patients with LNp(−) was 64.1% (134/209), significantly higher than that of 45.6% (26/57) in patients with LNp(+) (p = 0.011). Multivariate Cox analysis identified the main independent predictors of PFS as LNp(+) (HR = 3.777; 95% CI 1.715–8.319), non-SCC (HR = 2.956; 95% CI 1.297–6.736), poor differentiation (HR = 2.370; 95% CI 1.130–4.970) and adjuvant radiation (HR = 3.266; 95% CI 1.183–9.019). The interaction between LNr and LNp regarding PFS were significant both for univariate and multivariate (P = 0.000171 and 1.5357e−7 respectively). In patients with LNr(+), a significant difference in PFS was observed between patients with LNp(−) and LNp(+) (p = 0.0027). CC patients with FIGO 2018 stage IIIC who underwent NACT and followed hysterectomy had worse PFS compared to those with IB-IIB. LNp(+), non-SCC, poor differentiation and adjuvant radiation were independent risk factors for PFS. The adverse prognostic value of LNp(+) was more significant in patients with LNr(+). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of studies show that attentional shifting is a primary contributor during the process of learning to read. However, it remains unclear what is the relationship between attentional shifting and word-reading ability in adult readers whose reading skills have matured. More fundamentally, how attentional shifting affects individuals' reading ability remains poorly understood. To address these issues, we grouped adult readers by the level of Chinese character reading and examined the time course of attentional shifting by setting up multiple stimulus-onset asynchronies (SOAs) in the Posner cue-target paradigm. Based on the phonological mediation hypothesis, we also measured multiple abilities involving phonological processing (i.e., rapid automatic naming and phonological awareness). Results showed that compared with adults at the high reading level, adults at the low reading level showed a selective impairment of attentional disengagement. Rapid automatic naming of Chinese characters played a partially mediating role in the association between attentional shifting and word reading. These results provided evidence for the phonological mediation hypothesis, and suggest that attentional shifting affects word reading by influencing phonological processing in adult Chinese readers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial van der Waals (vdWs) heterostructures offer unprecedented opportunities to explore and reveal novel synergistic electronic and optical phenomena, which are beneficial for the development of novel optoelectronic devices at atomic limits. However, due to the damage caused by the device fabrication process, their inherent properties such as carrier mobility are obscured, which hinders the improvement of device performance and the incorporation of vdWs materials into next-generation integrated circuits. Herein, combining pump-probe spectroscopic and scanning probe microscopic techniques, the intrinsic optoelectronic properties of PtSe2/MoSe2 heterojunction were nondestructively and systematically investigated. The heterojunction exhibits a broad-spectrum optical response and maintains ultrafast carrier dynamics (interfacial charge transfer ~ 0.8 ps and carrier lifetime ~ 38.2 ps) simultaneously. The in-plane exciton diffusion coefficient of the heterojunction was extracted (19.4 ± 7.6 cm2·s−1), and its exciton mobility as high as 756.8 cm2·V−1·s−1 was deduced, exceeding the value of its components. This enhancement was attributed to the formation of an n-type Schottky junction between PtSe2 and MoSe2, and its built-in electric field assisted the ultrafast transfer of photogenerated carriers from MoSe2 to PtSe2, enhancing the in-plane exciton diffusion of the heterojunction. Our results demonstrate that PtSe2/MoSe2 is suitable for the development of broad-spectrum and sensitive optoelectronic devices. Meanwhile, the results contribute to a fundamental understanding of the performance of various optoelectronic devices based on such PtSe2 two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) materials hold great potential for the development of next-generation integrated circuits (ICs) at the atomic limit. However, it is still very challenging to build high performance devices. One of the main factors that limit the incorporation of 2D materials into IC technology is their relatively low carrier mobility. Thus, the engineering strategies that focus on optimizing performance continue to emerge. Herein, using a spatiotemporal resolved pump-probe setup, the carrier transport performance and relaxation process of few-layer and bulk MoSe2 under pressure were investigated nondestructively and simultaneously. Our results show that pressure can tune the transport performance effectively. In particular, under pressure regulation, the carrier mobility of the bulk MoSe2 increases by ∼ 4 times; meanwhile, the carrier lifetimes of the samples become shorter. Although the processes almost return to their initial state after the pressure release, it is still surprising to see that the carrier mobilities of few-layer and bulk MoSe2 are still ∼ 1.5 and 2 times enhanced, and carrier lifetimes are still shorter than the initial state. Combined with the Raman spectra under pressure, we consider that it is caused by the enhanced layer coupling and lattice compression. The combination of enhanced mobility and shortened lifetime in MoSe2 under pressure holds great potential for optoelectronic applications under the deep ocean and deep earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with prosopagnosia, also known as face blindness, struggle to recognize the faces of acquaintances, which can have a negative impact on their social interactions and overall functioning. This paper reviews existing research on interventions for children with prosopagnosia, including compensatory and remedial strategies, and provides a summary and comparison of their effectiveness. However, despite the availability of these interventions, their effectiveness remains limited and constrained by various factors. The lack of a widely accepted treatment for children with prosopagnosia emphasizes the need for further research to improve intervention strategies. Last, three future research directions were proposed to improve interventions for prosopagnosia, including ecological approaches, the social challenges faced by children, and new potential intervention methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents experimental results of the characteristics appearance and the mechanism of self-oscillation in a parallel-plate glow discharge with argon as the discharge gas at 266 Pa. The cathode and anode are molybdenum plates with a diameter of 3 cm. The distance between the electrodes is 1 cm. Discharge average voltage and current vary between 300 V and 500 μA, respectively. Light emission from the electrode gap is measured by a charge coupled device camera and argon spectra are recorded of emission lines at 650–800 nm. Results show that self-oscillations exist in the negative differential resistance region in the static V–I curve. An obvious negative differential resistance also can be observed in the dynamic of the V–I curve for the self-oscillations. The appearance and disappearance of the self-oscillating phenomenon are companied with an obvious change in all of the discharge current, discharge images, and electron excited temperature. It can be determined that the self-oscillation is a mode transition between low-current stage of Townsend discharge and high-current stage of glow discharge. The frequency range of self-oscillations starts with 0.4 k Hz up to 24 k Hz in dependence of the average discharge current and the external capacitors. When the self-oscillation disappears, the luminescence shows a significant radial contraction, the electron excitation temperature rise obviously. The frequency of oscillations exhibits a substantial linear increase with the average discharge current and decreases with the increase in the external capacitance from 0 pF up to 250 pF. A resistance–capacitance circuit model is used to simulate the self-oscillation discharge in this experimental glow discharge. Results show that the waveforms simulated by this circuit model are well consistent with those obtained experimentally at different average discharge currents and external parallel capacitances. The equivalent plasma resistance decreases with an increase in the average discharge current. The theory of charge and discharge of a capacitor provides good insights into the characteristics and mechanism of self-oscillations in parallel-plate discharges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anxiety may stay with nursing students throughout their internship and even persist afterwards. Although many studies have explored the effects of perceived stress on anxiety, the relationship between pre-internship perceived stress and post-internship anxiety levels has not been clarified. In addition, none had focused on the moderating roles of career adaptability and professional commitment between perceived stress and anxiety. This study aims to investigate the influence of pre-internship perceived stress on the post-internship anxiety level of nursing college students, and to analyze the moderating effects of career adaptability and professional commitment on their relationships. Methods: A longitudinal study design was employed. Full-time nursing college students from a Chinese medical university were recruited by convenient sampling. All surveys were conducted via Wen Juan Xing (www.wjx.cn), a widely used web-based survey platform in China. Two waves of surveys were collected in the pre-internship and post-internship periods, with an interval of one year. Among 823 nursing students recruited, 692 students completed all two waves of the survey (response rate: 84.08%). Participants completed a series of questionnaires examining general demographic characteristics, perceived stress, anxiety, career adaptability, and professional commitment both before and after the internship. The bias-corrected bootstrap technique of the Hayes PROCESS macro (Model 2) was used to test the moderation effect. Results: Pre-internship perceived stress was positively associated with post-internship anxiety (β = 0.474, p < 0.001). Career adaptability would mitigate the effect of perceived stress on anxiety (β = -0.009, p < 0.01, 95% CI = [-0.013, -0.004]), and this influence became stronger for nursing college students with higher levels of career adaptability. Instead, the professional commitment would enhance the effect of perceived stress on anxiety (β = 0.004, p < 0.05, 95% CI = [0.001, 0.009]). Conclusions: Adequate career adaptability was key to alleviating anxiety among nursing interns. Nursing educators and clinical nursing managers should pay attention to cultivating the career adaptability of nursing college students in order to help them successfully achieve identity transformation and career development. Meanwhile, it is crucial to guide them to develop appropriate professional commitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The error-proneness in the preanalytical and postanalytical stages is higher than that in the analytical stage of the total testing process. However, preanalytical and postanalytical quality management has not received enough attention in medical laboratory education and tests in clinical biochemistry courses. Methods/approach: Clinical biochemistry teaching program aim to improve students' awareness and ability of quality management according to international organization for standardization 15,189 requirements. We designed a student-centred laboratory training program, according to case-based learning that included 4 stages: "establish an overall testing process based on the patient's clinical indicator, clarify principles, improve operational skills, and review process and continuous improvement". The program was implemented in our college during the winter semesters of 2019 and 2020. A total of 185 undergraduate students majoring in medical laboratory science participated in the program as a test group, and the other 172 students were set up as the control group and adopted the conventional method. The participants were asked to finish an online survey to evaluate the class at the end. Results/outcomes: The test group had significantly better examination scores not only in experimental operational skills (89.27 ± 7.16 vs. 77.51 ± 4.72, p < 0.05 in 2019 grade, 90.31 ± 5.35 vs. 72.87 ± 8.41 in 2020 grade) but also in total examination (83.47 ± 6.16 vs. 68.90 ± 5.86 in 2019 grade, 82.42 ± 5.72 vs. 69.55 ± 7.54 in 2020 grade) than the control group. The results of the questionnaire survey revealed that the students in the test group better achieved classroom goals than those in the control group (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: The new student-centred laboratory training program based on case-based learning in clinical biochemistry is an effective and acceptable strategy compared with the conventional training program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of intelligent connected vehicles has increased the attack surface of vehicles and made the complexity of vehicle systems unprecedented. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) need to accurately represent and identify threats and match corresponding security requirements. Meanwhile, the fast iteration cycle of modern vehicles requires development engineers to quickly obtain cybersecurity requirements for new features in their developed systems in order to develop system code that meets cybersecurity requirements. However, existing threat identification and cybersecurity requirement methods in the automotive domain cannot accurately describe and identify threats for a new feature while also quickly matching appropriate cybersecurity requirements. This article proposes a cybersecurity requirements management system (CRMS) framework to assist OEM security experts in conducting comprehensive automated threat analysis and risk assessment and to help development engineers identify security requirements prior to software development. The proposed CRMS framework enables development engineers to quickly model their systems using the UML-based (i.e., capable of describing systems using UML) Eclipse Modeling Framework and security experts to integrate their security experience into a threat library and security requirement library expressed in Alloy formal language. In order to ensure accurate matching between the two, a middleware communication framework called the component channel messaging and interface (CCMI) framework, specifically designed for the automotive domain, is proposed. The CCMI communication framework enables the fast model of development engineers to match with the formal model of security experts for threat and security requirement matching, achieving accurate and automated threat and risk identification and security requirement matching. To validate our work, we conducted experiments on the proposed framework and compared the results with the HEAVENS approach. The results showed that the proposed framework is superior in terms of threat detection rates and coverage rates of security requirements. Moreover, it also saves analysis time for large and complex systems, and the cost-saving effect becomes more pronounced with increasing system complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The layer thickness determines the electronic structure of two-dimensional (2D) materials, leading to different band alignments, which are crucial for the transition metal dichalcogenides heterostructures. Here, we investigated the heterostructure of WSe2/WS2 with different layer thicknesses by steady-state and transient absorption spectroscopy. We observed different ultrafast charge transfer behaviors in 1L-WSe2/2L-WS2 and 2L-WSe2/2L-WS2 few-layer heterostructures. We demonstrate that the layer thickness determines the sequence of intralayer exciton relaxation and interlayer charge transfer. The valley transfer of the band edge induced by the layer thickness can effectively mediate the hot carrier transfer time and interlayer exciton lifetime. These provide us a deeper understanding of carrier dynamics in 2D indirect bandgap semiconductor heterostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined use of photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) could circumvent the drawbacks of each individual therapeutic strategy, resulting in an enhanced antitumor effect. However, the lack of highly effective photo-agents that are irradiation-safe in the biologically transparent window hinder the advancement of phototherapy clinically. Hence, in this study, a charge separation engineering strategy was adopted to fabricate a nanoplatform with heterojunctions, namely, in situ TiO2-loaded MXene (Ti3C2/TiO2 heterojunctions). This nanoplatform exhibited reduced bandgap (1.68 eV), enhanced NIR-II photothermal conversion efficiency (44.98%), and extended absorption edge compared to pristine TiO2 for enhanced photodynamic effect. More importantly, the proliferation of tumor cells could be efficiently inhibited at a 5 mm chicken breast depth after 1064 nm laser irradiation, and the intracellular ROS production significantly increased under 660 nm or even 1064 nm laser irradiation with heterojunctions (HJs) compared with that of TiO2. Moreover, the in vivo data further confirmed that the as-prepared heterojunctions could efficiently eradicate tumors efficiently via improved photothermal effect with NIR-II laser irradiation and upregulated ROS production. Collectively, the reported HJs strategy provides an opportunity for the success of combinational PTT and PDT therapy in tumor treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial cardiomyopathy (MCM) is characterized by abnormal heart-muscle structure and function, caused by mutations in the nuclear genome or mitochondrial DNA. The heterogeneity of gene mutations and various clinical presentations in patients with cardiomyopathy make its diagnosis, molecular mechanism, and therapeutics great challenges. This review describes the molecular epidemiology of MCM and its clinical features, reviews the promising diagnostic tests applied for mitochondrial diseases and cardiomyopathies, and details the animal and cellular models used for modeling cardiomyopathy and to investigate disease pathogenesis in a controlled in vitro environment. It also discusses the emerging therapeutics tested in pre-clinical and clinical studies of cardiac regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the co-contamination of heavy metals (HMs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has attracted more and more attention, and finding efficient and coordinated removal method has been the hot focus. In this study, Fe/Mn-SBA15 bimetallic mesoporous silica adsorbent (Fe/Mn-SBA15) was prepared by hydrothermal method with the functional groups Fe and Mn simultaneously doped into the framework structure of SBA15. Fe/Mn-SBA15 was systematically characterized by XRD, TEM, and BET and used in removal of typical PAHs-pyrene and heavy metal-Cu (II) from aqueous solutions simultaneously. The single and binary adsorption behaviors were studied by kinetics, isotherm, pH, and ionic strength. The results showed that the functional groups of Fe and Mn were successfully loaded into the structure of SBA15 and the prepared adsorbent was still a typical mesoporous adsorbent. The adsorption of pyrene and Cu (II) onto Fe/Mn-SBA15 was fast and the adsorption equilibrium was achieved in 100 min. The Langmuir model fitted the adsorption isotherm better and the maximum adsorption capacities for pyrene and Cu (II) were 120 mg/g and 10.52 mg/g, respectively. The increase of ionic strength could enhance and decrease the adsorption capacity of pyrene and Cu (II), which may be attributed to salting-out effect and potassium competitive. With the increase of pH values, the negative charge on the surface of the adsorbent increased, resulting in the decrease and increase of adsorption capacity of pyrene and Cu (II) onto Fe/Mn-SBA15. In addition, Fe/Mn-SBA15 was found to have a synergistic effect on the adsorption of pyrene and Cu (II). This result is mainly due to the formation of hydration complex by pyrene-Cu (II) through cation-π interaction, which increases the adsorption capacity by occupying each other's adsorption sites of adsorbent. This study provides a new method for the synergistic removal of PAHs and HMs from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) of two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted extensive research interest. By stacking various 2D materials together to form vdWHs, it is interesting to see that new and fascinating properties are formed beyond single 2D materials; thus, 2D heterostructures-based nanodevices, especially for potential optoelectronic applications, were successfully constructed in the past few decades. With the dramatically increased demand for well-controlled heterostructures for nanodevices with desired performance in recent years, various interfacial modulation methods have been carried out to regulate the interfacial coupling of such heterostructures. Here, the research progress in the study of interfacial coupling of vdWHs (investigated by Photoluminescence, Raman, and Pump–probe spectroscopies as well as other techniques), the modulation of interfacial coupling by applying various external fields (including electrical, optical, mechanical fields), as well as the related applications for future electrics and optoelectronics, have been briefly reviewed. By summarizing the recent progress, discussing the recent advances, and looking forward to future trends and existing challenges, this review is aimed at providing an overall picture of the importance of interfacial modulation in vdWHs for possible strategies to optimize the device's performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a serious chronic complication of diabetes mellitus that contributes to 85% of nontraumatic lower extremity amputations in diabetic patients. Preliminary clinical benefits have been shown in treatments based on mesenchymal stem cells for patients with DFU or peripheral arterial disease (PAD). However, the long-term safety and benefits are unclear for patients with both DFU and PAD who are not amenable to surgical revascularization. Methods: In this phase I pilot study, 14 patients with PAD and incurable DFU were enrolled to assess the safety and efficacy of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC) administration based on conservative treatments. All patients received topical and intravenous administrations of hUC-MSCs at a dosage of 2 × 105 cells/kg with an upper limit of 1 × 107 cells for each dose. The adverse events during treatment and follow-up were documented for safety assessments. The therapeutic efficacy was assessed by ulcer healing status, recurrence rate, and 3-year amputation-free rate in the follow-up phase. Results: The safety profiles were favorable. Only 2 cases of transient fever were observed within 3 days after transfusion and considered possibly related to hUC-MSC administration intravenously. Ulcer disclosure was achieved for more than 95% of the lesion area for all patients within 1.5 months after treatment. The symptoms of chronic limb ischaemia were alleviated along with a decrease in Wagner scores, Rutherford grades, and visual analogue scale scores. No direct evidence was observed to indicate the alleviation of the obstruction in the main vessels of target limbs based on computed tomography angiography. The duration of rehospitalization for DFU was 2.0 ± 0.6 years. All of the patients survived without amputation due to the recurrence of DFU within 3 years after treatments. Conclusions: Based on the current pilot study, the preliminary clinical benefits of hUC-MSCs on DFU healing were shown, including good tolerance, a shortened healing time to 1.5 months and a favorable 3-year amputation-free survival rate. The clinical evidence in the current study suggested a further phase I/II study with a larger patient population and a more rigorous design to explore the efficacy and mechanism of hUC-MSCs on DFU healing. Trial registration: The current study was registered retrospectively on 22 Jan 2022 with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200055885), http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=135888 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coupling between electrons and phonons is ubiquitous in condensed matter physics. In recent years, with the rise of two dimensional (2D) materials, electron–phonon interaction exhibits unique characteristics compared with their three‐dimensional counterparts. In this paper, research progress of electron–phonon interaction in 2D materials is briefly reviewed, mainly focus on thermoelectric device, conventional superconductor, field effect transistor, and photoelectric device. Firstly, electron–phonon interaction on thermoelectric application of 2D materials is concluded according to recent reports, and strategies to increase figure of merit are discussed. Next, strong electron–phonon coupling strength is essential for increasing transition temperature of superconductors. Conversely, electron–phonon interaction inhibits the carrier mobility for transport process. By summarizing research works in the past years, its role on the performance of 2D materials‐based field effect transistors is fully evaluated. Furthermore, the influences of electron–phonon interaction on light–matter interaction in 2D materials are briefly overviewed. Finally, some outlooks in the field are prospected. In a word, understanding electron–phonon interaction in 2D materials establishes strategically important directions for manipulating physical properties and optimizing device design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, 2D noble metal dichalcogenides have drawn considerable attention due to their thickness‐tunable electronic and optical properties. However, the dynamical properties of photocarriers in these materials are less studied. Here, photocarrier dynamics in monolayer and bilayer PtSe2$_2$ samples prepared by chemical vapor deposition are studied by transient absorption microscopy. Spatially and temporally resolved differential reflectance measurements yield room‐temperature exciton lifetimes of 25 and 50 ps for monolayer and bilayer samples, respectively. The exciton diffusion coefficient in monolayer PtSe2$_2$ is found to be as large as 48 cm2$^2$ s−1$^{-1}$. This value is higher than exciton diffusion coefficients of most known monolayer semiconductors. The deduced exciton mobility is close to the theoretical limit of charge carrier mobility of monolayer PtSe2$_2$. The superior exciton transport property is unique to monolayers, as the exciton diffusion coefficient drops to 6.7 cm2$^2$ s−1$^{-1}$ in bilayers PtSe2$_2$. The novel exciton transport properties, along with its high air stability, make monolayer PtSe2$_2$ an attractive material for ultrathin excitonic devices. These results provide insights on the exciton dynamic properties of 2D PtSe2$_2$ and help develop fundamental understanding on the performance of various optoelectronic devices based on 2D PtSe2$_2$. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modifying farming practices combined with breeding has the potential to improve water and nutrient use efficiency by regulating root growth, but achieving this goal requires phenotyping the roots, including their architecture and ability to take up water and nutrients from different soil layers. This is challenging due to the difficulty of in situ root measurement and opaqueness of the soil. Using stable isotopes and soil coring, we calculated the change in root water uptake of summer maize in response to planting density and nitrogen fertilization in a 2-year field experiment. We periodically measured root-length density, soil moisture content, and stable isotopes δ18O and δD in the plant stem, soil water, and precipitation concurrently and calculated the root water uptake based on the mass balance of the isotopes and the Bayesian inference method coupled with the Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation. The results show that the root water uptake increased asymptotically with root-length density and that nitrogen application affected the locations in soil from which the roots acquired water more significantly than planting density. In particular, we find that reducing nitrogen application promoted root penetration to access subsoil nutrients and consequently enhanced their water uptake from the subsoil, while increasing planting density benefited water uptake of the roots in the topsoil. These findings reveal that it is possible to manipulate plant density and fertilization to improve water and nutrient use efficiency of the summer maize and the results thus have imperative implications for agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is characterized by asthma-like attacks in its early stage, which is easily misdiagnosed as severe asthma. Therefore, new biomarkers for the early diagnosis of EGPA are needed, especially for differentiating the diagnosis of asthma. Objectives: To identify serum biomarkers that can be used for early diagnosis of EGPA and to distinguish EGPA from severe asthma. Method: Data-independent acquisition (DIA) analysis was performed to identify 45 healthy controls (HC), severe asthma (S-A), and EGPA patients in a cohort to screen biomarkers for early diagnosis of EGPA and to differentiate asthma diagnosis. Subsequently, parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) analysis was applied to a validation cohort of 71 HC, S-A, and EGPA patients. Result: Four candidate biomarkers were identified from DIA and PRM analysis—i.e., serum amyloid A1 (SAA1), fibrinogen-α (FGA), and serum amyloid P component (SAP)—and were upregulated in the EGPA group, while cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) was downregulated in the EGPA group compared with the S-A group. Receiver operating characteristics analysis shows that, as biomarkers for early diagnosis of EGPA, the combination of SAA1, FGA, and SAP has an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.947, a sensitivity of 82.35%, and a specificity of 100%. The combination of SAA1, FGA, SAP, and CETP as biomarkers for differential diagnosis of asthma had an AUC of 0.921, a sensitivity of 78.13%, and a specificity of 100%, which were all larger than single markers. Moreover, SAA1, FGA, and SAP were positively and CETP was negatively correlated with eosinophil count. Conclusion: DIA-PRM combined analysis screened and validated four previously unexplored but potentially useful biomarkers for early diagnosis of EGPA and differential diagnosis of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: With the continuous increase of the network scale, the structure of the network has also become complicated. The original community discovery algorithm based on small‐scale static networks has been unable to meet our needs. In order to improve the quality of community division, community discovery algorithms based on multiple optimization functions have been proposed. These multiobjective algorithms have continued to increase in time complexity as the optimization functions increase. The time complexity of the multiobjective community discovery algorithm is reduced, and the particle swarm algorithm has higher efficiency and accuracy in solving multiobjective optimization (MOO) problems. Based on the above background, the purpose of this article is to study a multiobjective particle swarm community discovery algorithm based on representation learning. This article uses the network representation learning method for static network community discovery, and designs an improved multiobjective particle swarm‐based community discovery algorithm (MOPSO‐CD). This randomness effectively prevents the algorithm from falling into a local optimum. At the same time, combined with the MOO algorithm, all the Pareto optimal solution sets are retained to adjust the population to correct the lack of accuracy caused by the randomness of the algorithm. In addition, in order to improve the efficiency of the algorithm, this article introduces an efficient Pareto optimal solution set method. Compared with the traditional MOO strategy, the time complexity of the MOO process is O(n2) Reduced to O(nlogn). Through experimental analysis, MOPSO‐CD has higher efficiency and community discovery quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocarrier dynamics including interlayer charge transfer and intralayer valley scattering are studied in a heterostructure formed by trilayer WS2 and MoSe2. The sample is fabricated by mechanical exfoliation and dry transfer and characterized by atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence measurements. The conduction band minima of the two materials are nearly degenerate, representing a unique band alignment. Layer-selective pump–probe measurements are performed with three configurations to reveal a complete picture of the photocarrier dynamics. By comparing the heterostructure with the two individual trilayer materials in each experimental configuration, ultrafast interlayer charge transfer is unambiguously observed, which occurs on the same time scale as the intralayer valley scattering of the photocarriers. The quasi-equilibrium distribution of electrons in the two layers mediate the fast carrier recombination process. These results show that the band structures of the few-layer transition metal dichalcogenides can enable rich photocarrier dynamics with intermediate band alignments that are complementary to the previously studied monolayer–monolayer heterostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stable cationic metal–organic framework (MOF) based on a neutral multidentate N-ligand and Ni(II) metal center has been successfully synthesized. The cationic MOF can effectively capture anions (MnO4− and CrO42−) from water through an anion exchange strategy. It is noteworthy that the post-synthesized cationic MOFs present better electrocatalytic performances for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) compared with the pristine MOF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Children and older adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) display a distinct spectrum of disease severity yet the risk factors aren't well understood. We sought to examine the expression pattern of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the cell-entry receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the role of lung progenitor cells in children and older patients. Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinical features in a cohort of 299 patients with COVID-19. The expression and distribution of ACE2 and lung progenitor cells were systematically examined using a combination of public single-cell RNA-seq data sets, lung biopsies, and ex vivo infection of lung tissues with SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus in children and older adults. We also followed up patients who had recovered from COVID-19. Results Compared with children, older patients (>50 years.) were more likely to develop into serious pneumonia with reduced lymphocytes and aberrant inflammatory response (P =.001). The expression level of ACE2 and lung progenitor cell markers were generally decreased in older patients. Notably, ACE2 positive cells were mainly distributed in the alveolar region, including SFTPC positive cells, but rarely in airway regions in the older adults (P <.01). The follow-up of discharged patients revealed a prolonged recovery from pneumonia in the older (P <.025). Conclusions Compared to children, ACE2 positive cells are generally decreased in older adults and mainly presented in the lower pulmonary tract. The lung progenitor cells are also decreased. These risk factors may impact disease severity and recovery from pneumonia caused by SARS-Cov-2 infection in older patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescent metal–organic frameworks (LMOFs) as chemosensors, can sense various analytes, such as heavy metal ions, antibiotics, pesticides, and small biological molecules. Based on the fluorescence characteristics of LMOFs, a variety of logic gates have been developed. In this review, we mainly discuss some common logic systems based on LMOFs, and then summarize the strategies of constructing logic gates from two perspectives. One is based on superior characteristics of MOFs, which can be synthesized from Ln3+ based MOFs (Ln-MOFs) or form hybrids by encapsulating different materials, including metal ions, dyes, and quantum dots (QDs). The other is to control the presence of inputs by reactions between different reactants and then further control switches of logic gates. Additionally, the common sensing mechanisms of LMOFs in logic gates are discussed. In the end, we have envisioned MOFs that possess a promising future in logic computing areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional tungsten disulfide (WS2), as one of the widely concerned members of the transition metal dichalcogenides family, has been studied broadly by its outstanding photonic and electronic properties. Since all of the research works focus on size and the number of layers, the dendritic structure WS2 has been scarcely reported. In our study, we make use of atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) to control the synthesis of dendritic WS2/monolayer WS2 heterostructures on the SiO2/Si substrate. The stacking morphology of the heterostructure is verified by AFM, Raman, and PL spectra. The effects of growth times and carrier gas flux on the quasi-epitaxial growth of WS2 films with dendritic structures have been systematically studied. In addition, the transition between fractal, dendritic, and compact morphologies with the increase of the growth times (carrier gas flux) are more significant. The compact morphology and difference of contact potential between the adjacent dendritic structures are characterized by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). Moreover, the as-fabricated FET devices exhibit excellent electronic properties (on/off ratio, carrier mobility, photoresponsivity, and response time are about 106, 11.42 cm2 V–1S1–, 46.6 mA/W, and 105.5 μs, respectively). This study paves the way for the rational design of high-sensitivity fractal-enhanced phototransistor devices for industrial and commercial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinel-structured lithium manganese oxide is regarded as one of the most promising materials that can recover Li+ from brine and seawater. Herein, a hierarchical porous and hydrophilic H1.6Mn1.6O4@chitosan pellet (HMO@CP) is proposed and its mechanical property is tailored through the glutaraldehyde-derived cross-linking. Different characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunner-Emmet-Teller (BET) measurement, Fourier transformation infrared spectrum (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) meter were used to investigate the chemical and morphological properties of the HMO@CP. H1.6Mn1.6O4 powders were successfully encapsulated by chitosan, forming composite porous pellets. The equilibrium adsorption capacity of HMO@CP is 49.2 mg·g−1, which is similar to that of the pristine H1.6Mn1.6O4. Moreover, the adsorption behavior of HMO@CP well fits with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the Langmuir model can be used to describe the adsorption isotherm of HMO@CP. Furthermore, the adsorption thermodynamic parameters such as ΔHθ ΔGθ and ΔSθ were calculated based on the obtained results. When the pellet is immersed into 0.05mol·L−1 HCl solution after the Li+ adsorption process, the desorption equilibrium can be reached within 60 min, with a manganese dissolution loss of 2.48%. The Li+ adsorption capacity of HMO@CP remains at 41.92 mg·g−1 after five adsorption-desorption cycles, confirming the effective regeneration property of the HMO@CP. In addition, the as-prepared HMO@CP shows excellent selectivity for Li+ among Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ ions in the simulated solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural practices can have significant effects on the physical and biological properties of soil. The aim of this study was to understand how the physical structure of a compromised soil, arising from long‐term bare‐fallow management, was modified by adopting different field management practices. We hypothesized that changing agricultural practices from bare‐fallow to arable or grassland would influence the modification of pore structure via an increase in porosity and pore connectivity, and a more homogenous distribution of pore sizes, and that this change exerts a rapid evolution of soil structure following conversion. Soil aggregates (<2 mm) collected in successive years from field plots subjected to three contrasting managements were studied: bare‐fallow, bare‐fallow converted to arable, and bare‐fallow converted to grassland. Soil structure was assessed by X‐ray computed tomography on the aggregates at 1.5 μm resolution, capturing detail relevant to soil biophysical processes. The grassland system increased porosity, diversity of pore sizes, pore connectivity and pore‐surface density significantly over the decade following conversion. However, measured at this resolution, the evolution of most of these metrics of soil structure required approximately 10 years post‐conversion to show a significant effect. The arable system did not influence soil structural evolution significantly. Only pore size distribution was modified in grassland in a shorter time frame (2 years post‐conversion). Hence, evolution of soil structural characteristics appears to require at least a decadal timescale following conversion to grassland. Highlights: The physical structure of a compromised soil was modified by adopting plant‐based field management practices.Conversion to grassland increased pore size diversity after 2 years.Porosity, pore connectivity and pore surface density showed a significant modification between 7 and 10 years after conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problems caused by network dimension disasters and computational complexity have become an important issue to be solved in the field of social network research. The existing methods for network feature learning are mostly based on static and small-scale assumptions, and there is no modified learning for the unique attributes of social networks. Therefore, existing learning methods cannot adapt to the dynamic and large-scale of current social networks. Even super large scale and other features. This paper mainly studies the feature representation learning of large-scale dynamic social network structure. In this paper, the positive and negative damping sampling of network nodes in different classes is carried out, and the dynamic feature learning method for newly added nodes is constructed, which makes the model feasible for the extraction of structural features of large-scale social networks in the process of dynamic change. The obtained node feature representation has better dynamic robustness. By selecting the real datasets of three large-scale dynamic social networks and the experiments of dynamic link prediction in social networks, it is found that DNPS has achieved a large performance improvement over the benchmark model in terms of prediction accuracy and time efficiency. When the α value is around 0.7, the model effect is optimal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Root growth alters the rhizosphere thereby affecting root uptake of water and nutrients. However, the influence of abiotic stress on this process is poorly understood. In this study we investigated the effects of water and salinity stresses (both in isolation and combined) on maize (Zea mays L.). Methods: Seedlings were grown in pots packed with a loamy sand soil for two weeks and then subjected to water and salinity stresses, together with an unstressed control. After an additional two weeks, plants were removed from the pots and the soil aggregates adhering to the roots were collected and scanned using X-ray Computed Tomography. The ability of the aggregates to conduct water was calculated from pore-scale simulation of water flow using the lattice Boltzmann method. Results: It was found that both water and salinity stresses reduced the permeability of the rhizospheric aggregates, although the reduction under salinity stress was more significant than under water stress. Combining water and salinity stresses reduced the permeability of the rhizosphere by one order in magnitude compared to the unstressed rhizosphere. Conclusions: Abiotic stresses work with root-induced activity to reshape the rhizosphere. As water and nutrients need to pass through the rhizosphere before being taken up by roots, understanding such rhizosphere changes has an important implication in plant acquisition of soil resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use a unique set of terrestrial experiments to demonstrate how soil management practises result in emergence of distinct associations between physical structure and biological functions. These associations have a significant effect on the flux, resilience and efficiency of nutrient delivery to plants (including water). Physical structure, determining the air–water balance in soil as well as transport rates, is influenced by nutrient and physical interventions. Contrasting emergent soil structures exert selective pressures upon the microbiome metagenome. These selective pressures are associated with the quality of organic carbon inputs, the prevalence of anaerobic microsites and delivery of nutrients to microorganisms attached to soil surfaces. This variety results in distinctive gene assemblages characterising each state. The nature of the interactions provide evidence that soil behaves as an extended composite phenotype of the resident microbiome, responsive to the input and turnover of plant-derived organic carbon. We provide new evidence supporting the theory that soil-microbe systems are self-organising states with organic carbon acting as a critical determining parameter. This perspective leads us to propose carbon flux, rather than soil organic carbon content as the critical factor in soil systems, and we present evidence to support this view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]