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Abstract Circular RNA (circRNA), a stable ring‐shaped RNA molecule found in eukaryotic cells, plays significant roles in biological regulation, particularly by interfering with transcription factor binding or enhancing gene expression. Using transcriptomic sequencing, we identified differentially expressed circRNAs in bovine muscle at various time points. Specifically, circDYRK1A was discovered and shown to enhance differentiation while suppressing proliferation of adult myoblasts. Rescue experiments further demonstrated that circDYRK1A regulates the KLF5 gene expression by interacting with miR21‐5p, thus exerting its influence at the transcriptional level. This study marks the first identification of circDYRK1A in cattle and elucidates its role in bovine myoblast development through the circDYRK1A‐miR21‐5p‐KLF5 regulatory axis. These findings contribute novel insights into molecular breeding of cattle and advance fundamental research on beef cattle breeding and muscle development.

Abstract Immunoglobulin diversity encompasses B-cell receptor, T-cell receptor, and antibody diversity. Existing studies have focused more on the role of B-cell and T-cell receptor diversity in tumor immunity, while the role of antibody diversity is less understood. This study examined and compared the blood extracellular vesicles (EVs) of lung cancer patients and healthy individuals using proteomics and bioinformatics analyses. The results revealed that among the 270 identified proteins, those involved in defense mechanisms were the most abundant. Most of these were antibody subtypes, accounting for 50.00%. Similarly, of the 40 identified EVs differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), 29 were involved in defense mechanisms (72.50%), with a higher proportion being antibody subtypes (82.76%). Furthermore, 24 DEP antibody subtypes were implicated in 18 immune reaction-related signaling pathways. These findings suggest that human serum EVs contain a significant number of antibody subtypes, and the antibody subtypes from lung cancer serum EVs differ from those of healthy controls (HCs). The variations in antibody diversity may be closely associated with lung cancer tumor immunity.

In order to study the effect of particle size on the thermodynamic characteristics and limiting parameters of coal spontaneous combustion, the oxidation process of coal samples of five different particle sizes (0-

Abstract Surgical site infection (SSI) following lumbar disc herniation (LDH) surgery leads to prolonged hospital stays, increased costs and reoperations. Therefore, we aim to develop and validate a nomogram to predict the risk of SSI following LDH surgery, thereby helping spine surgeons design personalized prevention strategies and promote early recovery. Data from 647 patients with SSI who underwent LDH surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University (AFMU) from 2020 to 2023 were collected. Ultimately, 241 patients with SSI were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were randomly divided into training and validation sets with a ratio of 7:3. LASSO regression, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression were utilized to identify target variables and establish the prediction model, which was subsequently validated. Six factors—Age, Body Mass Index (BMI), Postoperative Suction Drainage (PSD), Gelatin Sponge (GS), None-Preoperative Antibiotic (NPTA), and Thrombin Time (TT)—were selected to construct the nomogram model. In the training set, the area under the curve (AUC) for the nomogram was 0.818 (95% CI 0.779–0.857). In the validation set, the AUC was 0.782 (95% CI 0.717–0.846). Calibration curves for both sets showed satisfactory agreement between predicted and actual SSI probabilities. Decision curve analysis indicated that the nomogram is clinically useful with a threshold range of 1–90%. The Clinical Impact Curve (CIC) demonstrated an acceptable cost-benefit ratio. The developed nomogram model effectively predicts the risk of SSI following LDH surgery, enabling spine surgeons to formulate more professional and rational clinical prevention strategies.

Abstract Background Iron is an essential element for thyroid function. However, no study focuses on the association between iron and thyroid in individuals with obesity. Our research aimed to investigate the iron status in relation to baseline thyroid hormone levels and after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Methods A total of 216 subjects with obesity were enrolled and divided into low and high iron groups depending on the median value. The association between iron and thyroid hormone was analyzed and compared before and after LSG at the 6-month follow-up in patients who underwent LSG. Results 1) In all, Total Triiodothyronine (TT3) was significantly higher in high iron than low iron group (P = 0.008). TT3 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were significantly higher in high iron than low iron group (1.92 ± 0.61 vs. 1.69 ± 0.28 nmol/l, P = 0.029; 2.93 ± 1.66 vs. 1.88 ± 1.03 mU/l, P = 0.002) in females while not in males (all P > 0.05). 2) Iron was significantly positively associated with free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), TT3 and TSH (all P

Abstract Seawater electrolysis using renewable electricity offers an attractive route to sustainable hydrogen production, but the sluggish electrode kinetics and poor durability are two major challenges. We report a molybdenum nitride (Mo2N) catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction with activity comparable to commercial platinum on carbon (Pt/C) catalyst in natural seawater. The catalyst operates more than 1000 hours of continuous testing at 100 mA cm−2 without degradation, whereas massive precipitate (mainly magnesium hydroxide) forms on the Pt/C counterpart after 36 hours of operation at 10 mA cm−2. Our investigation reveals that ammonium groups generate in situ at the catalyst surface, which not only improve the connectivity of hydrogen-bond networks but also suppress the local pH increase, enabling the enhanced performances. Moreover, a zero-gap membrane flow electrolyser assembled by this catalyst exhibits a current density of 1 A cm−2 at 1.87 V and 60 oC in simulated seawater and runs steadily over 900 hours.

Abstract Background Mn2+-mediated chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has been emerged as a promising cancer therapeutic modality that relies heavily on HCO3 − level in the system. Although the physiological buffers (H2CO3/HCO3 −) provide certain amounts of HCO3 −, the acidity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) would seriously affect the HCO3 − ionic equilibrium (H2CO3 ⇌ H+ + HCO3 −). As a result, HCO3 − level in the tumor region is actually insufficient to support effective Mn2+-mediated CDT. Results In this study, a robust nanomodulator MnFe2O4@ZIF-8 (PrSMZ) with the capability of in situ self-regulation HCO3 − is presented to enhance therapeutic efficacy of Mn2+-mediated CDT. Under an acidic tumor microenvironment, PrSMZ could act as a proton sponge to shift the HCO3 − ionic equilibrium to the positive direction, significantly boosting the generation of the HCO3 −. Most importantly, such HCO3 − supply capacity of PrSMZ could be finely modulated by its ZIF-8 shell thickness, resulting in a 1000-fold increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Enhanced ROS-dependent CDT efficacy is further amplified by a glutathione (GSH)-depletion ability and the photothermal effect inherited from the inner core MnFe2O4 of PrSMZ to exert the remarkable antitumor effect on mouse models. Conclusions This work addresses the challenge of insufficient HCO3 − in the TME for Mn2+-mediated Fenton catalysts and could provide a promising strategy for designing high-performance Mn2+-mediated CDT agents to treat cancer effectively.

Aiming at the problem that the traditional modeling methods cannot describe the real characteristics of flyback converters more accurately, the average state model of the fractional-order flyback converter operating in the intermittent inductance current mode was established by using fractional-order calculus and state space average method. The DC equilibrium point and small signal transfer function were obtained, and the difference between the model and the integer order mathematical model was compared. The state space model and circuit simulation model of fractional-order flyback converter were built in Simulink, and the experimental circuit of fractional-order flyback converter was constructed. The state space model, circuit model simulation and experimental results were compared to prove the correctness of the fractional-order model. The results show that the fractional order mathematical model can reflect the change of the order of inductance and capacitance, and the theoretical analysis is better consistent with the actual operation of the converter. A more accurate mathematical model of flyback converter can be established by combining fractional calculus theory with state space average method, which provides a reference for the modeling of other converters.

Although microsurgical vasoepididymostomy (MVE) is an effective treatment for epididymal obstructive azoospermia, some patients may experience delayed patency or suboptimal semen parameters after patency. However, research into patency time, semen quality postpatency, and associated influencing factors remains limited. This study aimed to address these issues by evaluating 181 patients who underwent at least one-sided MVE employing asingle-armed longitudinal intussusception vasoepididymostomy technique, with a follow-up period of over 12 months for 150 patients. The overall patency rate was 75.3%, with 86.0% of patients achieving patency within 6 months following MVE. Unexpectedly, factors such as age, history of epididymitis, duration of surgery, side of anastomosis, sperm motility in epididymal fluid, and the site of anastomosis showed no correlation with patency time. Nonetheless, our univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that only the site of anastomosis was positively correlated with and could independently predict postoperative total motile sperm count. Therefore, the site of anastomosis might serve as a predictor for optimal postoperative semen quality following the MVE procedure.

Abstract Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is a valuable tree species with economic, edible, medicinal, and ecological conservation benefits. In this study, we used PacBio HiFi sequencing and Hi-C technology to assemble chromosome-level genomes of two cultivated Jujubes, namely ‘Lingwuchangzao’ and ‘Shiguang’. The genome sizes of ‘Lingwuchangzao’ and ‘Shiguang’ were 385.66 Mb and 394.12 Mb, respectively, with contig N50 sizes of 30.62 Mb and 4.30 Mb. These genomes contained 31,082 and 31,015 protein-coding genes, with repeat element contents of 42.11% and 42.33%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that ‘Lingwuchangzao’ was sister to ‘Shiguang’ and followed by ‘Dongzao’. Additionally, comparative analysis of gene families among ‘Lingwuchangzao’, ‘Shiguang’, ‘Dongzao’, ‘Junzao’, and ‘Suanzao’ identified 15,988 (57.98%) core gene families, 11,191 (40.59%) disposable gene families, and 394 (1.43%) private gene families. Overall, the assembly of the genomes of these two cultivated Jujube varieties provides valuable genetic information for Jujube evolution, functional genomics research, and molecular breeding.

Abstract Background The purpose of the study was to evaluate renal quality and predict posttransplant graft function using ex vivo sound touch elastography (STE). Methods In this prospective study, 106 donor kidneys underwent ex vivo STE examination and biopsy from March 2022 to August 2023. The mean stiffness of the superficial cortex (STEsc), deep cortex (STEdc), and medulla (STEme) was obtained and synthesized into one index (STE) through the factor analysis method. Additionally, 100 recipients were followed up for 6 months. A random forest algorithm was employed to explore significant predictive factors associated with the Remuzzi score and allograft function. The performance of parameters was evaluated by using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results STE had AUC values of 0.803 for diagnosing low Remuzzi and 0.943 for diagnosing high Remuzzi. Meanwhile, STE had an AUC of 0.723 for diagnosing moderate to severe ATI. Random forest algorithm identified STE and Remuzzi score as significant predictors for 6-month renal function. The AUC for STE in predicting postoperative allograft function was 0.717, which was comparable with that of the Remuzzi score (AUC = 0.756). Nevertheless, the specificity of STE was significantly higher than that of Remuzzi (0.913 vs 0.652, p

Abstract Background Over the years, with the improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities for hip joint diseases and the advancements in surgical technology, hip arthroscopy has been extensively used. At present, there is ongoing controversy among scholars about whether it is necessary to close the joint capsule after hip arthroscopy. In addition, the clinical effect of repairing the hip joint capsule after hip arthroscopy remains uncertain. Purpose To evaluate the effect of our modified shoelace suture technique on postoperative hip function and to investigate whether complete closure of the hip capsule is reliable and safe. Study Design Retrospective study; Levels of evidence: III. Methods A retrospective review was conducted on patients undergoing hip arthroscopy by a solitary high-volume hip arthroscopic surgeon. The patients were categorized into two groups. The first group consisted of patients who underwent the modified shoelace continuous capsular closure technique. The other group consisted of those who did not receive capsular closure after hip arthroscopy. Patient-reported outcomes including modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score of Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and visual analogue scale (VAS) were obtained at a minimum of 12 months. Any complications during follow-up were identified and recorded. Results A total of 100 patients were followed up for 12–15 months, with an average of (12.3 ± 5.3) months in the study. There were 50 patients in the shoelace capsular closure group (CC group) and 50 patients in the non-capsular closure group (NC group). The surgical time in the suture group was significantly longer than that in the non-suture group. However, there was no statistically significant disparity in the length of hospital stay between the two groups. The mHHS, HOS-SSS, HOS-ADL, and VAS of the CC and NC group were significantly improved compared to preoperative scores at 6 and 12 postoperative months (P

Purpose: Explore the causal relationship between the gut microbiota and erectile dysfunction (ED) at phylum, class, order, family, and genus levels, and identify specific pathogenic bacteria that may be associated with the onset and progression of ED. Materials and Methods: The genetic variation data of 196 human gut microbiota incorporated in our study came from the human gut microbiome Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) dataset released by the MiBioGen Consortium. The GWAS statistics for ED were extracted from one study by Bovijn et al., which included 223,805 participants of European ancestry, of whom 6,175 were diagnosed with ED. Subsequently, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was carried out to explore whether a causal relationship exists between the gut microbiota and ED. Additionally, bidirectional MR analysis was performed to examine the directionality of the causal relationship. Results: Through MR analysis, we found that family Lachnospiraceae (odds ratio [OR]: 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.52, p=0.01) and its subclass genus LachnospiraceaeNC2004 group (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.01–1.37, p=0.04) are associated with a higher risk of ED. In addition, genus Oscillibacter (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02–1.35, p=0.03), genus Senegalimassilia (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.06–1.64, p=0.01) and genus Tyzzerella3 (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02–1.27, p=0.02) also increase the risk of ED. In contrast, the inverse variance weighted estimate of genus RuminococcaceaeUCG013 (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.61–0.96, p=0.02) suggests that it has a protective effect against the occurrence of ED. Conclusions: This study preliminarily identified 6 bacterial taxa that may have a causal relationship with ED, including family Lachnospiraceae, genus Lachnospiraceae NC2004 group, Oscillibacter, Senegalimassilia, Tyzzerella 3 and Ruminococcaceae UCG013. These identified important bacterial taxa may serve as candidates for microbiome intervention in future ED clinical trials.

We investigated the prognostic importance of noninvasive factors in predicting sperm retrieval failure in idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia (iNOA). We studied 193 patients with nonobstructive azoospermia who underwent microsurgical testicular sperm extraction. The Chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U tests for clinical parameters and seminiferous tubule distribution were used for between-group comparisons. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of retrieval failure. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for each variable was evaluated, and the net clinical benefit was calculated using a clinical decision curve. Patients with iNOA had a lower sperm retrieval rate than those with known causes. Moreover, testicular volume was an independent factor affecting sperm extraction outcomes (odds ratio = 0.79, P < 0.05). The testicular volume cut-off value was 6.5 ml (area under the curve: 0.694). The patients with iNOA were categorized into two groups on the basis of the distribution of seminiferous tubules observed. The sperm retrieval rate and testicular volume were significantly different between the groups with a uniform or heterogeneous tubule distribution. There was also a significant association between a uniform tubule distribution and testicular volume. In conclusion, a testicular volume of more than 6.5 ml effectively predicts microsurgical testicular sperm extraction failure due to a uniform tubule distribution in patients with iNOA.

The cause of asthenozoospermia (AZS) is not well understood because of its complexity and heterogeneity. Although some gene mutations have been identified as contributing factors, they are only responsible for a small number of cases. Radial spokes (RSs) are critical for adenosine triphosphate-driven flagellar beating and axoneme stability, which is essential for flagellum motility. In this study, we found novel compound heterozygous mutations in leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 23 (LRRC23; c.1018C>T: p.Q340X and c.881_897 Del: p.R295Gfs*32) in a proband from a nonconsanguineous family with AZS and male infertility. Diff-Quik staining and scanning electron microscopy revealed no abnormal sperm morphology. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining showed that these mutations suppressed LRRC23 expression in sperm flagella. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy showed the absence of RS3 in sperm flagella, which disrupts stability of the radial spoke complex and impairs motility. Following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, the proband’s spouse achieved successful pregnancy and delivered a healthy baby. In conclusion, our study indicates that two novel mutations in LRRC23 are associated with AZS, but successful fertility outcomes can be achieved by in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer techniques.

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) is commonly performed to retrieve sperm in the testes for assisted reproductive techniques in patients with idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia (iNOA). However, the success rate of sperm retrieval varies among individuals. We aim to investigate the association between clinical parameters and sperm retrieval outcomes in patients with iNOA. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science from database inception to August 2, 2023. The main measure was whether sperm retrieval was successful in patients with iNOA who underwent mTESE. Pooled estimates of the sperm retrieval rate and weighted mean differences were calculated using random-effects models. The overall sperm retrieval rate was 36.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 27.5%–46.0%, I2 = 95.0%) in nine studies comprising 1892 patients with iNOA. No significant differences were found in age, testicular volume, serum total testosterone concentrations, or inhibin B concentrations between positive and negative sperm retrieval outcomes. Lower anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in patients with iNOA were associated with a positive outcome of mTESE (weighted mean differences: −2.70; 95% CI: −3.94–−1.46, I2 = 79.0%). In conclusion, this study shows a significant relationship between anti-Müllerian hormone and sperm retrieval outcomes in patients with iNOA, while age, testicular volume, total testosterone, and inhibin B show no significant association. These findings have important implications for assessing the potential success of sperm retrieval and selecting appropriate treatment strategies in patients with iNOA.

Abstract Background To estimate vaccine effectiveness(VE) against COVID-19-related hospitalization for inactivated vaccines during the Omicron BF.7-predominant epidemic wave in Beijing, China. Methods We recruited a cohort in Beijing on 17 and 18 December 2022, collected status of vaccination and COVID-19-related hospitalization since 1 November 2022 and prospectively followed until 9 January 2023. A Poisson regression model was used to estimate the VE. Results 16(1.15%) COVID-19-related hospitalizations were reported in 1391 unvaccinated participants; 7(0.25%) in 2765 participants with two doses, resulting in a VE of 70.89%(95% confidence interval[CI] 26.25 to 87.73); 32(0.27%) in 11,846 participants with three doses, with a VE of 65.25%(95% CI 32.24 to 81.83). The VE of three doses remained above 64% at 1 year or more since the last dose. Elderly people aged ≥ 60 years had the highest hospitalization incidence(0.66%), VE for two doses was 74.11%(95%CI: − 18.42 to 94.34) and VE for three doses was 80.98%(95%CI:52.83 to 92.33). We estimated that vaccination had averted 65,007(95%CI: 12,817 to 97,757) COVID-19-related hospitalizations among people aged ≥ 60 years during the BF.7-predominant period in Beijing. Conclusion Inactivated COVID-19 vaccines were effective against COVID-19-related hospitalization, especially for the elderly population who have increased risk of severe disease owing to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Abstract This paper explores the application of computer vision and mathematical modeling to analyze the intricate movements involved in weaving a traditional farming tool, the winnowing basket. By utilizing OpenPose algorithms, the study simplifies and visualizes the craftsmen's motions, particularly focusing on wrist movements. Video data of craftsmen in Chiba, Japan, creating Kizumi (place name) winnowing baskets is used as the basis for analysis. The extracted information is used to generate 2D motion trajectories of the wrist, allowing a comparison between beginners who watched parsed videos and those who watched the original videos in terms of skill acquisition and learning time. By visualizing human body behavior and combining statistical results, this study demonstrates the potential of artificial intelligence techniques such as computer vision for observing repetitive human movement and inheriting traditional skills.

Abstract Background Aim to validate the diagnostic efficacy of radiomics models for predicting various degrees of cognitive impairment in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Methods Participants were divided into mild cognitive impairment group (mild-CSVD group) and sever cognitive impairment group (sever-CSVD group) according to Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) performance, 98 gender-age-education matched subjects served as normal controls. Radiomic features were extracted from the segmented hippocampus using PyRadiomics. The feature preprocessing involved replacing missing values with the mean, applying stratified random sampling to allocate subjects into training (80%) and testing (20%) sets, ensuring balance among the three classes (normal controls, mild-CSVD group, and sever-CSVD group). A feature selection method was applied to identify discriminative radiomic features, with the optimal texture feature chosen for developing diagnostic models. Performance was evaluated in both the training and testing sets using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results The radiomics model achieved an accuracy of 0.625, an AUC of 0.593, a sensitivity of 0.828, and a specificity of 0.316 in distinguishing mild-CSVD group from normal controls. When distinguishing mild-CSVD group from sever-CSVD group, the radiomics model reached an accuracy of 0.683, an AUC of 0.660, a sensitivity of 0.167, and a specificity of 0.897. Similarly, in distinguishing sever-CSVD group from normal controls, the radiomics model exhibited an accuracy of 0.781, an AUC of 0.818, a sensitivity of 0.538, and a specificity of 0.947. Conclusion Radiomics model based on hippocampal texture had disparities in the diagnostic efficacy of radiomics models in predicting various degrees of cognitive impairment in patients with CSVD.

Previous works employ the Large Language Model (LLM) like GPT-3 for knowledge-based Visual Question Answering (VQA). We argue that the inferential capacity of LLM can be enhanced through knowledge injection. Although methods that utilize knowledge graphs to enhance LLM have been explored in various tasks, they may have some limitations, such as the possibility of not being able to retrieve the required knowledge. In this paper, we introduce a novel framework for knowledge-based VQA titled “Prompting Large Language Models with Knowledge-Injection” (PLLMKI). We use vanilla VQA model to inspire the LLM and further enhance the LLM with knowledge injection. Unlike earlier approaches, we adopt the LLM for knowledge enhancement instead of relying on knowledge graphs. Furthermore, we leverage open LLMs, incurring no additional costs. In comparison to existing baselines, our approach exhibits the accuracy improvement of over 1.3 and 1.7 on two knowledge-based VQA datasets, namely OK-VQA and A-OKVQA, respectively.

Objective: To study the relationship between umbilical cord blood vitamin A (VA) and neonatal lung diseases and explore the impact of umbilical cord blood VA on neonatal lung diseases. Method: Umbilical vein blood was collected at birth, and its VA content was measured. According to the VA levels in umbilical cord blood, a VA deficiency (VAD) group, a marginal deficiency group and a normal group were created and followed up until 28 days after birth. Results: The umbilical cord blood VA level in the neonatal group with lung disease was 0.13 ± 0.05 mg/L, while the result for the VA level in the non-lung disease group was 0.15 ± 0.05 mg/L. The umbilical cord blood VA levels in the neonatal lung disease group were significantly lower than those in the non-lung disease group. The incidence of neonatal pulmonary diseases was highest in the VAD group, and the incidence decreased as the level of VA in umbilical cord blood increased. Umbilical cord blood VAD and premature birth were found to be independent risk factors for neonatal respiratory disease. Conclusion: Umbilical cord blood VAD and premature birth are independent risk factors for neonatal pulmonary diseases. The lower the level of VA in umbilical cord blood, the more susceptible infants will be to neonatal respiratory infections in the neonatal period.

To further optimize the automotive AEB-P (autonomous emergency braking for pedestrian) control algorithm, an AEB-P hierarchical control strategy that integrates driving comfort and pedestrian injury risk was proposed. A braking safety distance model considering the driver′s comfort during braking was designed for the AEB-P evaluation standard of C-NCAP. The weight coefficient adjustment strategy was obtained by introducing fuzzy rules to comprehensively consider the risk of pedestrian injury and scenario working conditions. Based on this, the adaptive weight coefficient MPC (model predictive control) upper controller was designed, and the PID (proportion integration differentiation) lower controller was used to correct the actual deceleration of the auto-vehicle. The vehicle longitudinal dynamics model was established and the test scenario and control algorithm were constructed through CarSim and Matlab/Simulink, then the proposed method and the fixed TTC (time to collision) threshold algorithm were compared through hardware-in-the-loop experiments. The results show that the proposed control algorithm can effectively avoid collision in 93.4% of the test conditions, while the fixed TTC threshold algorithm has a successful rate of only 43.75% in obstacle avoidance. Compared with the traditional control strategy, the proposed method can maintain a more stable minimum distance between the vehicle and the pedestrian in front of it, with better robustness, which provides a reference basis for the AEB-P control theory.

BackgroundAs a key to economic and social development, occupational groups with low levels of occupational health literacy (OHL) are considered vulnerable groups with high risks of work-related diseases and injuries. Therefore, improving the OHL of these groups is of great significance in reducing the burden on public health. ObjectiveTo master the four dimensional OHL levels and influencing factors of the key groups in Fuling District, Chongqing, and provide a basis for formulating health education programs for occupational groups in the future. MethodsThe Occupational Health Literacy Questionnaire of Key Populations was distributed online to investigate the key occupational groups in Fuling District through stratified cluster sampling. The survey collected data on basic demographic information, legal knowledge of occupational health, basic knowledge of occupational health protection, basic skills of occupational health protection, and healthy working style and behavior. Univariate analysis, logistic regression, and nomogram were used to analyze the above data. ResultsThis survey distributed 4824 questionnaires, of which 4677 were valid, with a recovery rate of 97.0%. The dimensional OHL levels of key occupational groups in Fuling District from high to low were: healthy working style and behavior (79.1%), basic knowledge of occupational health protection (78.4%), legal knowledge of occupational health protection (43.3%), and basic skills of occupational health protection (37.6%). The results of logistic regression showed that the occupational health legal knowledge levels in the groups of high school/vocational high school/technical secondary school and above (reference: primary school and below) (OR=1.47, 95%CI: 1.05, 2.05), ≥3000 yuan of monthly income (reference:

ObjectivesA new Spar-type floating wind turbine platform design scheme is proposed for a 15 MW floating wind turbine, and its performance is analyzed. MethodsBased on potential flow theory, the frequency domain hydrodynamic calculation of the platform is carried out and the wave loads and motion response characteristics of the platform under different wave directions are analyzed. The blade element momentum method is applied to calculate the aerodynamic load of the impeller and make it equivalent to the wind coefficient in order to calculate the time-domain response of the platform under the combined effect of wind, waves and currents under different working conditions, while also analyzing the force situation of the mooring lines. ResultsThe results show that the heave, roll, and pitch of the platform have peak points at the natural frequency of its motion, and the positions of occurrence are all far from the main energy region of the waves. Under the action of wind, waves and currents, compared to the working conditions, the maximum pitch angle of the platform under extreme conditions is smaller, but the amplitude of maximum surge, heave and mooring tension are greater than the working conditions. ConclusionsThe newly designed Spar-type floating wind turbine platform has good stability and hydrodynamic performance. Under the designed environmental loads, its response and mooring force can meet the requirements of the specifications, ensuring the safety and stability of the wind turbine.

【Objective】Aiming at the limited transmission distance of ultra-long distance optical transmission system using remote pump technology, this paper proposes a single span repeaterless transmission system with mixed transmission of 100 and 200 Gbit/s service. The experiment tests the maximum span loss of the system by adjusting the input power of the system and the position of the remote pump gain unit in the system without considering the influence of other factors such as dispersion.【Methods】The key amplification technologies in the experiment mainly include remote pump amplification technology, Erbium-doped optical fiber amplification technology and Raman amplification technology. In the transmission, Erbium-doped optical fiber amplifier, Raman amplifier and remote pump gain unit are used to carry out non-relay amplification of optical signals in the system, and the relay transmission distance is further improved by adjusting the position of remote pump gain unit. The remote pump bypass access method which can improve the amplification gain of remote pump is used in the experiment.【Results】Three different modules were used in the experiment, with a total of 9 service waves. The modulation formats of 200 Gbit/s Polarization Multiplexed - Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (PM-QPSK), 100 Gbit/s PM-QPSK and 200 Gbit/s Polarization Multiplexed -16 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (PM-16QAM) were used respectively. The transmission experiments were constructed by G. 654b ultra-low loss optical fiber with a loss of 0.17 dB/km. Finally, the single-span ultra-long distance transmission with a total capacity of 1.5 Tbit/s and a cross-segment loss of 75 dB is realized.【Conclusion】The results show that the transmission distance of the system can be improved by setting the optimal fiber input power and adjusting the position of the gain unit of the remote pump. The experimental results provide reference value for the construction of the ultra-long distance optical transmission system based on the remote pump technology, and provide reference data for the development of the repeaterless transmission based on the remote pump technology.

Background and purpose: Radical surgery after neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy (nICT) in patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LAESCC) has good efficacy and safety, and it can improve the patients’ pathological complete remission (pCR) rate, main pathologic response (MPR) rate and R0 resection rate. The prognosis of patients with pCR/MPR after nICT is significantly better compared with patients without pCR. The prognosis of patients achieving pCR/MPR after neoadjuvant therapy has been demonstrated to be significantly better than that of patients with non-pCR/MPR. Therefore, finding predictive factors of pCR/MPR is beneficial for us to screen out the advantageous populations for combination therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of clinical data of patients with LAESCC before and after nICT in predicting the degree of remission of different pathologies after radical surgery following neoadjuvant treatment and to observe the safety of the treatment. Methods: Data of patients with locally LAESCC who underwent radical surgery after nICT from January 2019 to June 2023 at the Affiliated Hospital of Chuanbei Medical College were collected. The clinical data of all patients as well as some blood, inflammation and nutritional indexes of patients before and after neoadjuvant therapy were collected, and the patients were grouped according to the different degrees of pathological remission after neoadjuvant therapy. Data were analyzed by multi-group comparative analysis of variance (ANOVA) and LSD-t post-hoc test. We explored the factors that had an influence on the different degrees of pathological remission, and collected and recorded the patients’ adverse reactions during neoadjuvant therapy as well as their eventual surgeries. Results: Data of 62 patients with LAESCC treated with nICT who underwent radical surgery were collected. Only one patient showed grade 4 myelosuppression during neoadjuvant therapy, and the rest of the patients had adverse reactions ≤grade 2. The R0 resection rate of the surgery was 98.39%. The present study was compared with the previous studies of LAESCC treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery performed in Affiliated Hospital of Chuanbei Medical College. Compared with the previous studies conducted in our center, no significant difference was observed in terms of operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative hospitalization time and surgical complications. The postoperative pathologic results showed that the pCR rate was 22.58% (14/62), and the MPR rate was 40.32% (25/62). According to the different tumor regression grade (TRG) after surgery, patients were divided into 3 groups of TRG1, TRG2 and TRG3-4, and differences in the platelet distribution width (PDW) before neoadjuvant therapy and the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) after neoadjuvant therapy were statistically significant among the 3 groups (P

Neural network pruning is a popular approach to reducing the computational complexity of deep neural networks. In recent years, as growing evidence shows that conventional network pruning methods employ inappropriate proxy metrics, and as new types of hardware become increasingly available, hardware-aware network pruning that incorporates hardware characteristics in the loop of network pruning has gained growing attention. Both network accuracy and hardware efficiency (latency, memory consumption, etc.) are critical objectives to the success of network pruning, but the conflict between the multiple objectives makes it impossible to find a single optimal solution. Previous studies mostly convert the hardware-aware network pruning to optimization problems with a single objective. In this paper, we propose to solve the hardware-aware network pruning problem with Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms (MOEAs). Specifically, we formulate the problem as a multi-objective optimization problem, and propose a novel memetic MOEA, namely HAMP, that combines an efficient portfolio-based selection and a surrogate-assisted local search, to solve it. Empirical studies demonstrate the potential of MOEAs in providing simultaneously a set of alternative solutions and the superiority of HAMP compared to the state-of-the-art hardware-aware network pruning method.

Abstract While many countries employed digital contact tracing to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the contribution of cospace-time interaction (i.e., individuals who shared the same space and time) to transmission and to super-spreading in the real world has seldom been systematically studied due to the lack of systematic sampling and testing of contacts. To address this issue, we utilized data from 2230 cases and 220,878 contacts with detailed epidemiological information during the Omicron outbreak in Beijing in 2022. We observed that contact number per day of tracing for individuals in dwelling, workplace, cospace-time interactions, and community settings could be described by gamma distribution with distinct parameters. Our findings revealed that 38% of traced transmissions occurred through cospace-time interactions whilst control measures were in place. However, using a mathematical model to incorporate contacts in different locations, we found that without control measures, cospace-time interactions contributed to only 11% (95%CI: 10%–12%) of transmissions and the super-spreading risk for this setting was 4% (95%CI: 3%–5%), both the lowest among all settings studied. These results suggest that public health measures should be optimized to achieve a balance between the benefits of digital contact tracing for cospace-time interactions and the challenges posed by contact tracing within the same setting.

With the continuous improvement of material requirements for high-performance aviation engines， the degree of alloying and the mass fraction of the γ' phase in new nickel-based superalloys for high-temperature applications continue to increase. This leads to progressively more challenging melting processes for these alloys. High-alloyed wrought nickel-based deformation superalloys are generally produced through a triple combination process of Vacuum Induction Melting （VIM） + Protective Atmosphere Electro-Slag Remelting （PESR） + Vacuum Arc Remelting （VAR）. Due to the influence of alloying degree， alloys are prone to solute segregation and elemental partitioning between liquid and solid phases during the melting process， making electrodes and ingots susceptible to cracking under the combined effects of thermal stress and phase transformation stress. This not only causes arc fluctuations during the subsequent remelting process but also adversely affects the quality of the ingots. Electrode crack formation is a complex metallurgical defect that occurs in the solidification process of superalloys and has been a common technical challenge that has long plagued the expansion of ingot sizes for high-alloy， difficult-to-deform superalloys in China. Therefore， this paper reviews the recent research progress of the author’s team and research groups at home and abroad in the crack formation mechanism， influencing factors of crack and crack control of wrought nickel-based superalloys， and looks forward to the future development direction of wrought superalloy precipitation strengthened nickel-based superalloys.

Excessive fructose diet is closely associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Nevertheless, fructose's specific function and precise mechanism in colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) is rarely known. Here, this study reported that the fructose absorbed by primary colorectal cancer could accelerate CRLM, and the expression of KHK-A, not KHK-C, in liver metastasis was higher than in paired primary tumors. Furthermore, KHK-A facilitated fructose-dependent CRLM in vitro and in vivo by phosphorylating PKM2 at Ser37. PKM2 phosphorylated by KHK-A inhibited its tetramer formation and pyruvic acid kinase activity but promoted the nuclear accumulation of PKM2. EMT and aerobic glycolysis activated by nuclear PKM2 enhance CRC cells' migration ability and anoikis resistance during CRLM progression. TEPP-46 treatment, targeting the phosphorylation of PKM2, inhibited the pro-metastatic effect of KHK-A. Besides, c-myc activated by nuclear PKM2 promotes alternative splicing of KHK-A, forming a positive feedback loop.

Purpose: The present study aimed to analyze the influence of muscle activation on lumbar injury under a specific +Gz load. Methods: A hybrid finite element human body model with detailed lumbar anatomy and lumbar muscle activation capabilities was developed. Using the specific +Gz loading acceleration as input, the kinematic and biomechanical responses of the occupant's lower back were studied for both activated and deactivated states of the lumbar muscles. Results: The results indicated that activating the major lumbar muscles enhanced the stability of the occupant's torso, which delayed the contact between the occupant's head and the headrest. Lumbar muscle activation led to higher strain and stress output in the lumbar spine under +Gz load, such as the maximum Von Mises stress of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs increased by 177.9% and 161.8%, respectively, and the damage response index increased by 84.5%. Conclusion: In both simulations, the occupant's risk of lumbar injury does not exceed 10% probability. Therefore, the activation of muscles could provide good protection for maintaining the lumbar spine and reduce the effect of acceleration in vehicle travel direction.

Aims: In this study, we aimed to visualize the spatial distribution characteristics of femoral head necrosis using a novel measurement method. Methods: We retrospectively collected CT imaging data of 108 hips with non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head from 76 consecutive patients (mean age 34.3 years (SD 8.1), 56.58% male (n = 43)) in two clinical centres. The femoral head was divided into 288 standard units (based on the orientation of units within the femoral head, designated as N[Superior], S[Inferior], E[Anterior], and W[Posterior]) using a new measurement system called the longitude and latitude division system (LLDS). A computer-aided design (CAD) measurement tool was also developed to visualize the measurement of the spatial location of necrotic lesions in CT images. Two orthopaedic surgeons independently performed measurements, and the results were used to draw 2D and 3D heat maps of spatial distribution of necrotic lesions in the femoral head, and for statistical analysis. Results: The results showed that the LLDS has high inter-rater reliability. As illustrated by the heat map, the distribution of Japanese Investigation Committee (JIC) classification type C necrotic lesions exhibited clustering characteristics, with the lesions being concentrated in the northern and eastern regions, forming a hot zone (90% probability) centred on the N4-N6E2, N3-N6E units of outer ring blocks. Statistical results showed that the distribution difference between type C2 and type C1 was most significant in the E1 and E2 units and, combined with the heat map, indicated that the spatial distribution differences at N3-N6E1 and N1-N3E2 units are crucial in understanding type C1 and C2 necrotic lesions. Conclusion: The LLDS can be used to accurately measure the spatial location of necrotic lesions and display their distribution characteristics. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(6):294–305.

Abstract Background Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite that is widely distributed in humans and warm-blooded animals. T. gondii chronic infections can cause toxoplasmic encephalopathy, adverse pregnancy, and male reproductive disorders. In male reproduction, the main function of the testis is to provide a stable place for spermatogenesis and immunological protection. The disorders affecting testis tissue encompass abnormalities in the germ cell cycle, spermatogenic retardation, or complete cessation of sperm development. However, the mechanisms of interaction between T. gondii and the reproductive system is unclear. The aims were to study the expression levels of genes related to spermatogenesis, following T. gondii infection, in mouse testicular tissue. Methods RNA-seq sequencing was carried out on mouse testicular tissues from mice infected or uninfected with the T. gondii type II Prugniaud (PRU) strain and validated in combination with real-time quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence assays. Results The results showed that there were 250 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (P

Abstract Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly being used for critically ill patients with cardiopulmonary failure. Air in the ECMO circuit is an emergency, a rare but fatal complication. Case presentation We introduce a case of a 76-year-old female who suffered from cardiac arrest complicated with severe trauma and was administered veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. In managing the patient with ECMO, air entered the ECMO circuit, which had not come out nor was folded or broken. Although the ECMO flow was quickly re-established, the patient died 6 h after initiating ECMO therapy. Conclusions In this case report, the reason for the complication is drainage insufficiency. This phenomenon is similar to decompression sickness. Understanding this complication is very helpful for educating the ECMO team for preventing this rare but devastating complication of fatal decompression sickness in patients on ECMO.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a postoperative recurrence rate of up to 50%. Local treatment at the surgical site offers a new strategy to prevent recurrence, minimizing systemic side effects. However, these treatments often face issues like poor stability, insufficient targeting, and significant local side effects. Research shows glucose starvation can induce disulfidptosis, a novel cell death pathway, in CRC cells, suitable for precise intervention in residual tumor cells postsurgery. This study develops a biocompatible 2D therapeutic platform using amyloid‐like protein nanofilm technology for precise local synergistic intervention in disulfidptosis and photodynamic therapy (PDT) after CRC surgery. The nanofilm boasts excellent drug‐loading capacity, enzyme activity retention, ultrathin dimensions, wet adhesion, and biocompatibility. A model simulating incomplete tumor resection post‐CRC surgery shows that the GCI@nanofilm effectively inhibits recurrence through an enzyme‐catalyzed cascade reaction inducing disulfidptosis and synergizing with PDT. In summary, GCI@nanofilm overcomes multiple challenges in local postsurgical intervention, providing a foundation for precise and efficient treatment of residual tumors.

Ti3C2, one typical MXene, has great potential to be coupled with various transition metals. Herein, a novel and effective catalyst is developed by synergistically loading VCoCOx onto Ti3C2‐modified nickel foam (VCoCOx–Ti3C2@NF). Field emission scanning electron microscope and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy are employed to characterize the morphology and structure. As expected, the catalyst optimized by response surface methodology attains overpotentials of 290 and 64 mV and Tafel slopes of 82 and 79 mV dec−1 for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), respectively. By using the bifunctional VCoCOx–Ti3C2@NF catalyst, the water splitting current density achieves 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 mol L−1 KOH electrolyte at cell voltage of 1.52 V, comparable with the noble metal electrolyzer Pt@C@NF||RuO2@NF (1.57 V). Furthermore, the resulting catalyst exhibits excellent cycling durability after 120 h of continuous catalysis, which retains 103.8% and 105.4% of potential (V vs reversible hydrogen electrode) for OER and HER, respectively. Density functional theory calculation reveals that the Gibbs free energy barriers for the OER and HER intermediates are reduced due to the integration of VCoCOx with Ti3C2@NF. The fabricated VCoCOx–Ti3C2@NF catalyst is a promising electrochemical material for clean energy production.

Abstract Regulating cardiolipin to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis is a promising strategy for addressing Parkinson's disease (PD). Through a comprehensive screening and validation process involving multiple models, ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) as a compound capable of enhancing cardiolipin levels is identified. This augmentation in cardiolipin levels fosters mitochondrial homeostasis by bolstering mitochondrial unfolded protein response, promoting mitophagy, and enhancing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Consequently, this cascade enhances the survival of tyrosine hydroxylase positive (TH+) dopaminergic neurons, leading to an amelioration in motor performance within PD mouse models. Using limited proteolysis–small‐molecule mapping combined with molecular docking analysis, it has confirmed Growth Factor Receptor‐Bound Protein 2 (GRB2) as a molecular target for Rg3. Furthermore, these investigations reveal that Rg3 facilitates the interaction between GRB2 and TRKA (Neurotrophic Tyrosine Kinase, Receptor, Type 1), thus promotes EVI1 (Ecotropic Virus Integration Site 1 Protein Homolog) phosphorylation by ERK, subsequently increases CRLS1 (Cardiolipin Synthase 1) gene expression and boosts cardiolipin synthesis. The absence of GRB2 or CRLS1 significantly attenuates the beneficial effects of Rg3 on PD symptoms. Finally, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) that also promotes the binding between GRB2 and TRKA is further identified. The identified compounds, Rg3 and TDF, exhibit promising potential for the prevention of PD by bolstering cardiolipin expression and reinstating mitochondrial homeostasis.

Significant progress has recently been made in deep and ultra-deep oil and gas exploration globally, demonstrating enormous exploration potential of the deep and ultra-deep strata. However, the accumulation and preservation pattern of deep and ultra-deep oil and gas remains poorly understood, greatly impeding further petroleum exploration and development in the deep and ultra-deep strata. By taking the Bozi deep and ultra-deep condensate gas reservoirs in the Kuqa Depression, western China as an example, we attempt to reconstruct the hydrocarbon charge history in such deep reservoirs via an integrated investigation involving quantitative grain fluorescence, fluid inclusion petrography and microthermometry, micro-fluorescence spectroscopy, laser Raman spectroscopy, PVTx modelling, and basin modelling. The results show that: (1) The Bozi deep and ultra-deep reservoirs contain one group of gas inclusion assemblage, and two groups of oil inclusion assemblages, with one being characterized by near yellowish-whitish and blue-whitish diphasic or triphasic oil inclusions, and the other being featured by bright blue diphasic oil inclusions; (2) The first oil charge occurred during the Early Neogene (6.5–5.5 Ma), and the second oil charge occurred during the Late Neogene (4.4–3.5 Ma), under normal hydrostatic pressure or slightly weak overpressure; and (3) The gas charge occurred during the Pleistocene (∼1.6 Ma), with a corresponding reservoir pressure coefficient of approximately 1.7, transforming the reservoir fluid phase state from black oil or volatile oil to condensate gas. Our findings highlight that aside from the present burial depth, a favorable burial history model is crucial for the preservation of liquid hydrocarbons in deep and ultra-deep reservoirs. The occurrence of liquid hydrocarbons in the Bozi deep and ultra-deep condensate gas reservoirs with depths over 7,000 m is benefited from a prolonged period (>100 Ma) of shallow burial and a late-stage (since 10 Ma) rapid subsidence.

BackgroundIn recent years, studies have confirmed the predictive capability of spectral computer tomography (CT) in determining microvascular invasion (MVI) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Discrepancies in the predicted MVI values between conventional CT imaging features and spectral CT parameters necessitate additional validation.MethodsIn this retrospective study, 105 cases of small HCC were reviewed, and participants were divided into MVI-negative (n=53, Male:48 (90.57%); mean age, 59.40 ± 11.79 years) and MVI-positive (n=52, Male:50(96.15%); mean age, 58.74 ± 9.21 years) groups using pathological results. Imaging features and iodine density (ID) obtained from three-phase enhancement spectral CT scans were gathered from all participants. The study evaluated differences in imaging features and ID values of HCC between two groups, assessing their diagnostic accuracy in predicting MVI occurrence in HCC patients. Furthermore, the diagnostic efficacy of imaging features and ID in predicting MVI was compared.ResultsSignificant differences were noted in the presence of mosaic architecture, nodule-in-nodule architecture, and corona enhancement between the groups, all with p-values < 0.001. There were also notable disparities in IDs between the two groups across the arterial phase, portal phase, and delayed phases, all with p-values < 0.001. The imaging features of nodule-in-nodule architecture, corona enhancement, and nonsmooth tumor margin demonstrate significant diagnostic efficacy, with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.761, 0.742, and 0.752, respectively. In spectral CT analysis, the arterial, portal, and delayed phase IDs exhibit remarkable diagnostic accuracy in detecting MVI, with AUCs of 0.821, 0.832, and 0.802, respectively. Furthermore, the combined models of imaging features, ID, and imaging features with ID reveal substantial predictive capabilities, with AUCs of 0.846, 0.872, and 0.904, respectively. DeLong test results indicated no statistically significant differences between imaging features and IDs.ConclusionsSubstantial differences were noted in imaging features and ID between the MVI-negative and MVI-positive groups in this study. The ID and imaging features exhibited a robust diagnostic precision in predicting MVI. Additionally, our results suggest that both imaging features and ID showed similar predictive efficacy for MVI.

To efficiently develop hot dry rock and other geothermal energy, a multilateral butted closed loop geothermal system (MBCLGS) is presented in this paper to replace the U-shaped closed-loop geothermal system (UCLGS). Besides, a casing-cement-formation transient heat transfer model is established to investigate the influences of key factors on the heat production of MBCLGS. After thermal-fluid-structural coupling analysis, we can find that higher injected rate and lower fluid temperature can improve heat power but reduce output temperature. In addition, the output temperature and heat power do not increase continuously with the increasing of branch well number. There is an optimal value of branch well number. Longer well pair distance can improve both output temperature and heat power. Considering the drilling technology level and design purpose, the recommended injected flow rate of MBCLGS is 90 m3/h, the injected fluid temperature is 42.5 °C, the number of branch wells is 10 and the well pair distance is 200m. Finally, by comparing MBCLGS and UCLGS, it is found that MBCLGS has a lower temperature decline rate and higher output temperature than UCLGS under the same conditions. It works more stable and has better economy. Overall, the proposal of MBCLGS is expected to promote the efficient development of deep geothermal resources.

The universal contamination of arable land with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) poses a severe threat to food security and jeopardizes worldwide efforts to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). How to obtain more reliable concentrations of PTEs in regional agricultural soils is a priority problem to be solved. Multispectral satellite remote sensing, with its advantages of high spatial and temporal resolution, broad coverage, and low cost, offers the potential to acquire spatial distribution of PTEs in agricultural soils over large areas. However, owing to the complexity of soil environments and the insufficiency of spectral information, the mechanism for retrieving concentrations of PTEs in agricultural soils via multispectral satellites is not yet clear, and the accuracy needs to be improved. In this study, we aimed to assess whether employing a fusion of spectral information and environmental covariates, results in more accurate retrievals of PTEs, specifically chromium (Cr) and mercury (Hg), in croplands than does employing spectral information alone. Three machine learning algorithms—kernel-based support vector machine (SVM), neural network-based back propagation neural network (BPNN), and tree-based extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost)—were developed to retrieve Cr and Hg concentrations in agricultural soils. The results showed that the fusion of spectral information and environmental covariates combined with the XGBoost model performed best in retrieving both Cr and Hg concentrations in agricultural soils with coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.73 and 0.74, respectively. Environmental covariates were important variables for determining Cr and Hg concentrations in agricultural soils, but the ability to retrieve these element concentrations by utilizing spectral information alone was limited. High Cr concentrations occurred in central towns and southern hilly mountains. High Hg concentrations were detected in the northwestern region and southern hilly mountains. The potential of fusing spectral information and environmental covariates to precisely retrieve PTE concentrations in agricultural soils can serve as a reference for agricultural soil health information monitoring worldwide.

Abstract In situ cancer vaccination is an attractive strategy that stimulates protective antitumor immunity. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are major mediators of the adaptive immune defenses, with critical roles in antitumor immune response and establishing immune memory, and are consequently extremely important for in situ vaccines to generate systemic and lasting antitumor efficacy. However, the dense extracellular matrix and hypoxia in solid tumors severely impede the infiltration and function of CTLs, ultimately compromising the efficacy of in situ cancer vaccines. To address this issue, a robust in situ cancer vaccine, Au@MnO2 nanoparticles (AMOPs), based on a gold nanoparticle core coated with a manganese dioxide shell is developed. The AMOPs modulated the unfavorable tumor microenvironment (TME) to restore CTLs infiltration and function and efficiently induced immunogenic cell death. The Mn2+‐mediated stimulator of the interferon genes pathway can be activated to further augment the therapeutic efficacy of the AMOPs. Thus, the AMOPs vaccine successfully elicited long‐lasting antitumor immunity to considerably inhibit primary, recurrent, and metastatic tumors. This study not only highlights the importance of revitalizing CTLs efficacy against solid tumors but also makes progress toward overcoming TME barriers for sustained antitumor immunity.

Abstract Microbial acetate metabolism is an important part of marine carbon cycling. We present a comprehensive study to constrain microbial acetate metabolism and its regulation in surface seawater of the northwest Pacific Ocean. We found that acetate oxidation (rate constant k: 0.016–0.506 day−1) accounted for 77.6%–99.4% of the total microbial acetate uptake, suggesting that acetate was predominantly used as a microbial energy source. Acetate also served as a significant biomass carbon source, as reflected by the elevated contribution of acetate assimilation to bacterial carbon production. Acetate turnover was largely influenced by water mass mixing and nutrient conditions. Atmospheric deposition was a source of acetate in surface water and this process can also impact the microbial acetate uptake. Microbial utilization of acetate could account for up to 25.9% of the bacterial carbon demand, suggesting the significant role of acetate metabolism in microbial carbon cycling in the open ocean.

Abstract The safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in the elderly, a high-risk group for severe COVID-19 infection, have not been fully understood. To clarify these issues, this prospective study followed up 157 elderly and 73 young participants for 16 months and compared the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of two doses of the inactivated vaccine BBIBP-CorV followed by a booster dose of the recombinant protein vaccine ZF2001. The results showed that this vaccination protocol was safe and tolerable in the elderly. After administering two doses of the BBIBP-CorV, the positivity rates and titers of neutralizing and anti-RBD antibodies in the elderly were significantly lower than those in the young individuals. After the ZF2001 booster dose, the antibody-positive rates in the elderly were comparable to those in the young; however, the antibody titers remained lower. Gender, age, and underlying diseases were independently associated with vaccine immunogenicity in elderly individuals. The pseudovirus neutralization assay showed that, compared with those after receiving two doses of BBIBP-CorV priming, some participants obtained immunological protection against BA.5 and BF.7 after receiving the ZF2001 booster. Breakthrough infection symptoms last longer in the infected elderly and pre-infection antibody titers were negatively associated with the severity of post-infection symptoms. The antibody levels in the elderly increased significantly after breakthrough infection but were still lower than those in the young. Our data suggest that multiple booster vaccinations at short intervals to maintain high antibody levels may be an effective strategy for protecting the elderly against COVID-19.

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a rapid shift to online teaching, placing unprecedented demands on educators’ physical and mental well-being. However, the relationship between English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ physical activity, emotion regulation, and competence for online teaching remains underexplored. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the interplay between EFL teachers’ physical activity, emotion regulation strategies, and competence for online teaching. Results Structural equation modeling revealed significant direct and indirect effects, indicating that physical activity positively influences emotion regulation, which, in turn, enhances teachers’ competence for online instruction. Furthermore, emotion regulation was found to mediate the relationship between physical activity and online teaching competence. Conclusions These findings underscore the importance of promoting physical activity among EFL teachers as a means to enhance their emotion regulation skills and competence for online teaching, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications The study highlights the need for targeted interventions aimed at supporting EFL teachers’ well-being and professional development, with implications for educational policies, teacher training programs, and institutional support structures in the digital learning landscape.

Abstract The Bethylidae are the most diverse of Hymenoptera chrysidoid families. As external parasitoids, the bethylids have been widely adopted as biocontrol agents to control insect pests worldwide. Thus far, the genomic information of the family Bethylidae has not been reported yet. In this study, we crystallized into a high-quality chromosome-level genome of ant-like bethylid wasps Sclerodermus sp. ‘alternatusi’ (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) using PacBio sequencing as well as Hi-C technology. The assembled S. alternatusi genome was 162.30 Mb in size with a contig N50 size of 3.83 Mb and scaffold N50 size of 11.10 Mb. Totally, 92.85% assembled sequences anchored to 15 pseudo-chromosomes. A total of 10,204 protein-coding genes were annotated, and 23.01 Mb repetitive sequences occupying 14.17% of genome were pinpointed. The BUSCO results showed that 97.9% of the complete core Insecta genes were identified in the genome, while 97.1% in the gene sets. The high-quality genome of S. alternatusi will not only provide valuable genomic information, but also show insights into parasitoid wasp evolution and bio-control application in future studies.

Abstract Millimeter-scale soft continuum robots offer safety and adaptability in transluminal procedures due to their passive compliance, but this feature necessitates interactions with surrounding lumina, leading to potential medical risks and restricted mobility. Here, we introduce a millimeter-scale continuum robot, enabling apical extension while maintaining structural stability. Utilizing phase transition components, the robot executes cycles of tip-based elongation, steered accurately through programmable magnetic fields. Each motion cycle features a solid-like backbone for stability, and a liquid-like component for advancement, thereby enabling autonomous shaping without reliance on environmental interactions. Together with clinical imaging technologies, we demonstrate the capability of navigating through tortuous and fragile lumina to transport microsurgical tools. Once it reaches larger anatomical spaces such as stomach, it can morph into functional 3D structures that serve as surgical tools or sensing units, overcoming the constraints of initially narrow pathways. By leveraging this design paradigm, we anticipate enhanced safety, multi-functionality, and cooperative capabilities among millimeter-scale continuum robots, opening new avenues for transluminal robotic surgery.

The management of chronic wounds in diabetes remains challenging due to the complexity of impaired wound healing, delayed healing, susceptibility to infection, and elevated risk of reopening, highlighting the need for effective chronic wound management with innovative approaches such as multifunctional hydrogels. Here, we have produced HA-DA@rhCol hydrogels consisting of dopamine-modified hyaluronic acid and recombinant human collagen type-III (rhCol) by oxidative coupling of the catechol group using the H2O2/HRP catalytic system. The post-reactive hydrogel has a good porous structure, swelling rate, reasonable degradation, rheological and mechanical properties, and the catechol group and dopamine impart to the hydrogel tissue adhesiveness, antioxidant capacity, and excellent photothermal effects leading to superior in vitro antimicrobial activity. In addition, the ability of rhCol to confer hydrogels to promote angiogenesis and wound repair has also been investigated. Cytotoxicity and hemolysis tests demonstrated the good biocompatibility of the hydrogel. Wound closure, collagen deposition and immunohistochemical examination confirmed the ability of the hydrogel to promote diabetic wound healing. In summary, the adhesive hemostatic antioxidative hydrogel with rhCol to promote wound healing in diabetic rat is an excellent chronic wound dressing.

Based on soil temperature and humidity and meteorological data at different elevations during the 2020-2021 growing season in the Pailugou watershed of Qilian Mountain， this study analyzed the variation characteristics of soil temperature and humidity and the relationship with meteorological factors， and determined the main meteorological factors affecting soil temperature and humidity.The results showed that： （1） soil temperature tended to increase and then decreased during the growing season （2020）， with a gradual increase in soil temperature from May to August （3.93 ℃） and a decrease from September to October （2.44 ℃）.Meanwhile， soil temperature showed a fluctuating increase with increasing elevation and a gradual decrease with increasing depth of soil layer.（2） Soil moisture showed considerable variation within the growing season， with a general trend of increase and then decrease （2020）， with the lowest soil moisture in May （0.164 m3·m-3） and the highest soil moisture in September （0.318 m3·m-3）.（3） The variation of soil moisture increases with elevation and decreases with the depth of the soil layer.（4） The main meteorological elements affecting soil temperature are air temperature and relative humidity， while soil moisture is mainly affected by air temperature and vapor pressure deficit.

Partial slow-release fertiliser substitution for urea combined with water-saving irrigation may synergistically improve rice yield, quality, water, and nitrogen (N) utilisation. A field experiment to evaluate different combinations of irrigation regimes: alternate wetting and drying irrigation (AWD) and flooding irrigation (FI), and N strategies: N0 (no N fertiliser); N1 (100% conventional fertiliser); N2 (100% SCF - sulphur-coated fertiliser); N3 (70% SCF + 30% urea), and N4 (50% SCF + 50% urea) on efficient rice production. Results indicated that higher substitution rates of SCF (N2 and N3) increased total N and ammonia N in surface water, leachate, and soil while reducing nitrate N relative to N1. The N3 strategy showed the highest yields, dry matter, total N uptake, and water N utilisation due to a nutrient release pattern that matched rice growth requirements. AWD yielded 5% lower than FI, except for the N3 strategy, but protein content increased by 12%, and amylose content dropped by 17%. The structural equation model analysis suggested that SCF positively impacted yield by influencing surface water total N and soil total N. Our findings indicate that implementing AWD alongside a 70% SCF basal fertiliser and 30% urea topdressing can optimise rice yield and quality while effectively managing water and fertiliser resources in the middle-lower Yangtze River Basin.