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MRI-guided radiotherapy systems enable beam gating by tracking the target on planar, two-dimensional cine images acquired during treatment. This study aims to evaluate how deep-learning (DL) models for target tracking that are trained on data from one fraction can be translated to subsequent fractions. Cine images were acquired for six patients treated on an MRI-guided radiotherapy platform (MRIdian, Viewray Inc.) with an onboard 0.35 T MRI scanner. Three DL models (U-net, attention U-net and nested U-net) for target tracking were trained using two training strategies: (1) uniform training using data obtained only from the first fraction with testing performed on data from subsequent fractions and (2) adaptive training in which training was updated each fraction by adding 20 samples from the current fraction with testing performed on the remaining images from that fraction. Tracking performance was compared between algorithms, models and training strategies by evaluating the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and 95% Hausdorff Distance (HD95) between automatically generated and manually specified contours. The mean DSC for all six patients in comparing manual contours and contours generated by the onboard algorithm (OBT) were 0.68 ± 0.16. Compared to OBT, the DSC values improved 17.0 − 19.3% for the three DL models with uniform training, and 24.7 − 25.7% for the models based on adaptive training. The HD95 values improved 50.6 − 54.5% for the models based on adaptive training. DL-based techniques achieved better tracking performance than the onboard, registration-based tracking approach. DL-based tracking performance improved when implementing an adaptive strategy that augments training data fraction-by-fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) strategy for power converter system outputs single optimal vector by vector ergodic optimization algorithm, with flaws of low vector control accuracy, unfixed switching frequency and high computational burden for microprocessor. In this paper, a hybrid vector and sector model predictive control (HVS-MPC) strategy is proposed for medium and small power converter systems with high control frequency to improve system performance on three aspects. First, a sector optimization algorithm is adopted to reduce computational burden according to radiation range of basic vector and sector location of target vector. Second, a vector synthesis algorithm is adopted in linear modulation area to improve vector control accuracy with fixed switching frequency by vector operation time calculation and sequence setting. Third, in order to improve system performance in over modulation area without extra computational burden, the hybrid vector modulation algorithm is proposed based on target vector length and modulation area. Finally, the proposed strategy is verified through experiment and simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dye-sensitized photoelectrodes consisting of photosensitizers and molecular catalysts with tunable structures and adjustable energy levels are attractive for low-cost and eco-friendly solar-assisted synthesis of energy rich products. Despite these advantages, dye-sensitized NiO photocathodes suffer from severe electron-hole recombination and facile molecule detachment, limiting photocurrent and stability in photoelectrochemical water-splitting devices. In this work, we develop an efficient and robust biohybrid dye-sensitized NiO photocathode, in which the intermolecular charge transfer is enhanced by a redox polymer. Owing to efficient assisted electron transfer from the dye to the catalyst, the biohybrid NiO photocathode showed a satisfactory photocurrent of 141±17 μA·cm−2 at neutral pH at 0 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode and a stable continuous output within 5 h. This photocathode is capable of driving overall water splitting in combination with a bismuth vanadate photoanode, showing distinguished solar-to-hydrogen efficiency among all reported water-splitting devices based on dye-sensitized photocathodes. These findings demonstrate the opportunity of building green biohybrid systems for artificial synthesis of solar fuels. A robust and efficient dye-sensitized NiO bio-hybrid photocathode based on a redox polymer and [FeFe]- hydrogenase has been developed to couple with a BiVO4 photoanode for water splitting without applied bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Identification of a Kavain Analog with Efficient Anti-inflammatory Effects" published in Scientific Reports. The original article contained errors in Figure 5C, where an image belonging to a different dataset partially overlapped with the corresponding panel. The corrected figure and legend have been provided. Additionally, there was an error in the Materials and Methods section regarding the age of the mice used in the study, which has been corrected. The authors of the article are Olivier Huck, Xiaxian Han, Hannah Mulhall, Iryna Gumenchuk, Bin Cai, James Panek, Radha Iyer, and Salomon Amar. [Extracted from the article]

A universal strategy for a rapid colorimetric method for Hg2+ in an aqueous solution is described. The specific binding of Hg2+ (thymine-Hg2+-thymine) with thiolated DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) via Au–S bonds increases the spatial hindrance of the AuNP surface, resulting in a weakened catalytic ability of AuNPs to catalyze the reaction between p-nitrophenol and NaBH4. Therefore, the color change time (CCT) of the solution from yellow to colorless becomes longer. Based on the kinetic curve of absorbance over time measured by a UV spectrometer, the level of Hg2+ in aqueous solutions can be easily quantified. A linear relationship between CCT and Hg2+ concentration was obtained in the 10–600-nM range with a detection limit of 0.20 nM, which is much lower than the limit value (10 nM) defined by the US Environmental Protection Agency for Hg2+ in drinking water. The excellent sensitivity comes from CCT as the signal output of the probe, rather than the absorbance or wavelength change used in traditional colorimetric probes as the signal output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is characterised by recurrent subcortical ischemic events, migraine with aura, dementia and mood disturbance. Strokes are typically lacunar infarcts; however, bilateral multiple subcortical lacunar infarcts have been described only sporadically. Method: We described four CADASIL patients who presented with acute bilateral multiple subcortical infarcts as the first manifestation. We also briefly summarised the case reports detailing the bilateral multiple infarcts in CADASIL. Results: Patient 1 and patient 2 were family members, and they presented with cognitive impairment. Patient 3 and patient 4 presented with slurred speech and hemiparesis. Patients 1, 3 and 4 developed hemodynamic fluctuations before the occurrence of ischemic stroke. Laboratory tests revealed elevated fibrinogen levels in patients 3 and 4. The brain magnetic resonance imaging showed acute bilateral multiple subcortical infarcts on the periventricular white matter in all the patients. Conclusion: CADASIL, with a poor brain hemodynamic reserve, is vulnerable to hemodynamic alterations (e.g. blood pressure fluctuation, dehydration, blood loss and anaemia) and intolerable to ischemia and hypoxia of the brain. Furthermore, blood hypercoagulation may contribute to acute multiple bilateral infarctions in CADASIL. Therefore, it is necessary to avert these predispositions in CADASIL patients in their daily life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing evidence has confirmed the vital role of Notch signaling in the tumorigenesis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The underlying function of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) related to Notch signaling in ccRCC remains unclear. In present study, the prognostic value and therapeutic strategy of Notch signaling-related lncRNA are comprehensively explored in ccRCC. In total, we acquired 1422 NSRlncRNAs, of which 41 lncRNAs were identified the key NSRlncRNAs associated with the occurrence of ccRCC. The prognostic signature containing five NSRlncRNAs (AC092611.2, NNT-AS1, AGAP2-AS1, AC147651.3, and AC007406.3) was established and validated, and the ccRCC patients were clustered into the high- and low-risk groups. The overall survival of patients in the low-risk group were much more favorable than those in the high-risk group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the risk score was an independent prognostic biomarker. Based on the risk score and clinical variables, a nomogram for predicting prognosis of ccRCC patients was constructed, and the calibration curves and DCA curves showed the superior predictive ability of nomogram. The risk score was correlated with immune cell infiltration, targeted therapy or chemotherapy sensitivity, and multiple oncogenic pathways. Additionally, consensus clustering analysis stratified the ccRCC patients into four clusters with obvious different outcomes, immune microenvironments, and expression of immune checkpoints. The constructed NSRlncRNA-based signature might serve as a potential biomarker for predicting prognosis and response to immunotherapy or targeted therapy in patients with ccRCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite considerable research efforts on photoelectrochemical water splitting over the past decades, practical application faces challenges by the absence of efficient, stable, and scalable photoelectrodes. Herein, we report a metal-halide perovskite-based photoanode for photoelectrochemical water oxidation. With a planar structure using mesoporous carbon as a hole-conducting layer, the precious metal-free FAPbBr3 photovoltaic device achieves 9.2% solar-to-electrical power conversion efficiency and 1.4 V open-circuit voltage. The photovoltaic architecture successfully applies to build a monolithic photoanode with the FAPbBr3 absorber, carbon/graphite conductive protection layers, and NiFe catalyst layers for water oxidation. The photoanode delivers ultralow onset potential below 0 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode and high applied bias photon-to-current efficiency of 8.5%. Stable operation exceeding 100 h under solar illumination by applying ultraviolet-filter protection. The photothermal investigation verifies the performance boost in perovskite photoanode by photothermal effect. This study is significant in guiding the development of photovoltaic material-based photoelectrodes for solar fuel applications. Lead halide perovskites excel in optical and electronic properties, drawing significant attention in solar fuel studies. Here, the authors report a stable FAPbBr3 photoanode optimized for water oxidation to achieve a low onset potential and high applied bias photon-to-current efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic nonlinear optical materials have potential in applications such as lightings and bioimaging, but tend to have low photoluminescent quantum yields and are prone to lose the nonlinear optical activity. Herein, we demonstrate to weave large-area, flexible organic nonlinear optical membranes composed of 4-N,N-dimethylamino-4ʹ-Nʹ-methyl-stilbazolium tosylate@cyclodextrin host-guest supramolecular complex. These membranes exhibited a record high photoluminescence quantum yield of 73.5%, and could continuously emit orange luminescence even being heated at 300 °C, thus enabling the fabrication of thermotolerant light-emitting diodes. The nonlinear optical property of these membranes can be well-preserved even in polar environment. The supramolecular assemblies with multiphoton absorption characteristics were used for in vivo real-time imaging of Escherichia coli at 1000 nm excitation. These findings demonstrate to achieve scalable fabrication of organic nonlinear optical materials with high photoluminescence quantum yields, and good stability against thermal stress and polar environment for high-performance, durable optoelectronic devices and humanized multiphoton bio-probes. Organic nonlinear optical materials have potential in applications such as bioimaging, but tend to have low photoluminescent quantum yields and are prone to aggregation-caused quenching. Here, the authors report a host-guest approach for improving the luminescent properties of these materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a regulator of cellular energy metabolism. Long-term use of metformin, an AMPK activator, was previously reported to be neuroprotective, as it promotes behavioral improvement and angiogenesis following an acute ischemic injury of the brain. However, only a few studies have demonstrated the role of AMPK in alleviating chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) in mice models in the long-term (over 3 months). Therefore, we established a mouse model of CCI via bilateral carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) to explore the effect of AMPK on CCI. We used four groups of 3-month-old male C57BL/6 mice labeled as Sham, BCAS, BCAS + metformin treatment (BCAS + Met) and BCAS + AMPKα2 gene knockout (BCAS + KO). Three months after BCAS, we measured the AMPK protein expression, spatial learning and memory, Nissl bodies, cell apoptosis, astrocyte activation, and oligodendrocyte maturation. Additionally, we observed the brain tissues for changes in cell morphology. We observed that mice in the BCAS group had impaired spatial learning and memory compared with those in the sham group. The brain tissues of mice with CCI injury showed altered cell morphology, fewer Nissl bodies, cerebral cells apoptosis, and astrocyte activation. Interestingly, compared with mice from the BCAS group, the brains of mice from BCAS + Met group suffered lesser damage, whereas those of mice from the BCAS + KO group suffered more damage. The activation of AMPK, especially AMPKα2, plays a neuroprotective role during CCI in a mouse model of BCAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and multimodal biometric parameters from ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and IOL Master biometry of patients with acute secondary angle-closure due to lens subluxation (ASAC-LS), acute primary angle-closure (APAC), and cataract. Methods: This retrospective study included 22 eyes with ASAC-LS, 27 eyes with APAC, and 39 eyes with cataract. Gender, age, affected eye, best corrected visual acuity, axial length, central corneal thickness, and anterior chamber depth (ACD) assessed by UBM and IOL Master were measured and compared between the three groups. In addition, we compared the ratio of ACD (ACD ratio) and the difference of ACD (ACD difference) measured by the two instruments. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the predictive factors for lens subluxation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to obtain a suitable cutoff value of biometric parameters to separate ASAC-LS cases from APAC and cataract cases. Results: In the ASAC-LS group, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) ACD measured by IOL Master was 2.47 (IQR 1.85–2.92) mm while the median ACD measured by UBM was 3.11 (IQR 2.60–3.76) mm. The difference of ACD measured by the two instruments was statistically significant in the ASAC-LS group (P < 0.001) whereas the differences were not statistically significant in the APAC group (P = 0.521) and cataract group (P = 0.204). Subsequent pairwise comparison revealed that only the ACD difference (0.40 [IQR 0.22–1.08] mm) and ACD ratio (1.18 [IQR 1.07–1.40]) in the ASAC-LS group were significantly different from those in the APAC group (ACD difference 0.02 [IQR 0.01–0.07] mm; ACD ratio 1.01 [IQR 1.00–1.04]) and cataract group (ACD difference 0.09 [IQR 0.01–0.14] mm; ACD ratio 1.03 [IQR 1.00–1.04]) (all P < 0.001). The ACD difference and ACD ratio were significantly associated with lens subluxation in the multivariate logistic regression analysis (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Additionally, the ROC curve analysis showed that the ACD difference at 0.235 mm and the ACD ratio at 1.080 were the respective cut-off values for lens subluxation, with a sensitivity of 77.3% and specificity of 100.0%. Conclusion: Our findings provide a new option for identifying lens subluxation. Specifically, combining the ACD from UBM and IOL Master may be helpful for differential diagnosis of ASAC-LS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Forward head posture (FHP) is common in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs); however, whether it contributes to TMD symptoms remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between (1) FHP and masticatory muscle pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and (2) neck muscle and masticatory muscle PPTs. Materials and methods: A total of 145 patients diagnosed with TMD were recruited between December 2020 and April 2021. Data regarding FHP and neck and masticatory muscle PPTs were collected. FHP was characterized by the craniocervical angle (CVA) measured between the horizontal line through C7 and the line between the tragus of the ear and C7. Patients were divided into either the FHP group (CVA ≤ 51°) or the non-FHP group. Differences in the masseter and temporalis muscle PPTs between the two groups were analyzed using the Mann‐Whitney U test. The correlation between the CVA, neck, and masticatory muscle PPTs in all patients was determined by Spearman's correlation analysis. Results: There were 70 patients in the FHP group and 75 patients in the non-FHP group. No significant difference in masseter and temporalis muscle PPTs was found between the two groups (p > 0.05). No correlation was found between FHP and masticatory muscle PPTs (p > 0.05). A significant association was found between the neck muscle and masticatory muscle PPTs (p < 0.05). The C5–C6 pillar and masticatory PPTs were either moderately (r = 0.435, masseter muscle) or strongly (r = 0.608, temporalis muscle) correlated, while the correlation between the trapezius and masticatory muscles was moderate (r = 0.378, masseter muscle and r = 0.461, temporalis muscle). Conclusion: FHP was not directly associated with masticatory muscle PPTs. Masticatory muscle PPTs were strongly or moderately associated with neck muscle PPTs. Therefore, the presence of neck pain, not the degree of FHP, in patients with TMD is of significance. Clinical relevance: In TMD treatment, we should pay attention to and actively relieve neck pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the powerful computing capability of quantum computers, cryptographic researchers have applied quantum algorithms to cryptanalysis and obtained many interesting results. Finding the linear structure of a vector function is an important task in cryptography. In this work, we study how to reduce the complexity of finding linear structure using the Bernstein–Vazirani (BV) algorithm and give a new quantum linear structure finding algorithm with complexity O(n). Our result realizes a quadratic speedup compared with the previous algorithm (with complexity O (n 2) ). This leads to a more efficient analysis of symmetric cryptography, that is, the complexity of some previous BV-based attacks reduces from O (n 2) to O(n). Besides, we find two new applications for this kind of BV-based attack, i.e., related-key attacks on iterated Even–Mansour ciphers and i-round Feistel ciphers with independent round keys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the construction of the Xiluodu hydropower station on the Jinsha River, the reservoir impoundment began in 2013 and the water level fluctuates annually between 540 m and 600 m above sea level. The Yanjiao rock slope which is located on the left bank of the Jinsha River 75 km upstream of the Xiluodu dam site, began to deform in 2014. The potential failure of the slope not only threatens Yanjiao town but also affects the safe operation of the Xiluodu reservoir. This paper is to find the factors influencing the Yanjiao slope deformation through field investigation, geotechnical reconnaissance, and monitoring. Results show that the Yanjiao slope can be divided into a bank collapse area (BCA) and a strong deformation area (SDA) based on the crack distribution characteristics of the slope. The rear area of the slope has been experiencing persistent deformation with a maximum cumulative displacement (GPS monitoring point G4) of 505 mm and 399 mm in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. The potential failure surface of the slope is formed 36 m below the surface based on the borehole inclinometer. The bank collapses of the Yanjiao slope are directly caused by the reservoir impoundment while the deformation area of the slope is affected by the combination of the rainfall and reservoir water level fluctuation. Based on mechanism of the Yanjiao slope, prestressed anchor combined with the surface drainage and slope unloading are recommended to prevent potential deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single FCC CoCrFeMnNi with a mass of 1 kg was fabricated by vacuum levitation melting + casting. Lattice distortion caused by cold-rolling (CR) increases with thickness reduction ratio R (20%, 40%, 60% and 80%) and decreases in subsequent annealing. The recovery at 923–1023 K and grain growth at 1073–1273 K is systematically investigated. Nonlinear fitting methods are applied to study the recovery and grain growth kinetics, in which the equilibrium microhardness at a definite recovery temperature and initial grain size before the onset of grain growth are required to be fitted. The recovery activation energies of 60% and 80% CRed alloys are 148.91 kJ/mol and 155.1 kJ/mol, respectively, while the fitted equilibrium microhardness decreases with increasing T. Although satisfactory nonlinear fitted results of dn ~ 1/T curves, where d is grain size, can be obtained for both n = 2 and 3, the classic mechanism with n = 2 and lower activation energy (254 kJ/mol) are mainly responsible for grain growth. In all, the recovery at 923–1023 K is caused by dislocation (viscous) slide while the grain growth at 1073–1273 K can be mainly controlled by GB migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an in-situ 3 wt.% TiB2/Al-Cu-Mg-Ag composite was successfully fabricated by the salt-reaction method. The elevated temperature creep behaviour of Al-Cu-Mg-Ag matrix alloy and composite at 180–220°C under applied stresses of 150–275 MPa was investigated. The results showed that in-situ TiB2 particles greatly refined the grain size and improved the elevated temperature creep properties of composite. Compared with the matrix alloy, the steady creep rates of the composite were 45–320% lower than those of the matrix alloy, and the composite exhibited lower creep strain and longer creep life under the same creep conditions. The better creep behaviour of composite was attributed to the reinforcing effect of TiB2 particles and plenty of θ′ precipitates with small diameters in the composite. The true stress exponent of both the matrix alloy and composite is 5, indicating that their creep mechanism can be attributed to the dislocation climb mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To investigate the clinical effectiveness of combination treatment of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) and zoledronic acid (ZOL) in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). Materials and methods: We searched studies investigating the PKP combined with ZOL in the treatment of OVCF. We used a fixed-effects or random-effects model to analyze the bone mineral density (BMD), visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), bone markers (N-MID, β-CTX, and P1NP) and adverse events, expressed as weight mean difference (WMD) and risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: We identified 5 cohort studies with a total of 440 patients. Compared with PKP alone, the combination treatment of PKP and ZOL significantly reduced the VAS score at 6 months (WMD = − 0.78, 95% CI − 1.42, − 0.14; P = 0.018), and 12 months (WMD = − 0.98, 95% CI − 1.46, − 0.51; P < 0.001). Moreover, the combination treatment also improved the BMD at 6 (WMD = 0.06, 95% CI 0.01, 0.11, P = 0.016) and 12 months (WMD = 0.20, 95% CI 0.03, 0.36, P = 0.018) after treatment. The ODI score in the combination group was significantly lower than in PKP group at 6, 12 and 24 months after treatment (at 6 months: WMD = − 9.25, 95% CI − 13.62, − 4.87 P < 0.001; at 12 months: WMD = − 9.21, 95% CI − 11.91, − 6.50, P < 0.001; at 24 months: WMD = − 7.26, 95% CI − 11.39, − 3.14, P = 0.001). The N-MID and P1NP values were found to be significantly lower in the combination group than the PKP group, but the β-CTX value was similar between the two groups. There was no significant difference in incidence of adverse events between the two groups, but more adjacent vertebral fractures and bone cement leakage occurred in PKP alone group. Conclusion: In patients with OVCF, combination treatment of PKP and ZOL showed more effective than PKP alone in improving BMD and bone marker levels, relieving pain, as well as reducing the risk of new fractures. More large-scale RCTs are needed to verify our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To analyze and summarize the orthopaedic effect and application experience of the Wang procedure in the treatment of pectus excavatum in paediatric patients. Methods: The clinical data of 256 children ranging from 0.83~14 years (4.89±2.83 years) who underwent the Wang procedure for pectus excavatum from January 2017 to September 2020 in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. A 1~2-cm incision was made in front of the xiphoid, and a tunnel was constructed on the deep surface of the thoracic cage. Steel wires were inserted through the bilateral costal arch and the lower sternum, and a steel bar was placed in the tunnel. The wires were pulled taut and fixed to the bar, and the incision was sutured. Results: All the procedures were performed using one steel bar. The range of the procedure duration, the intra-operative bleeding volume, and the hospitalization stays of the patients were 18 to 45 (24.02±4.89) minutes, one to ten (2.16±1.68) mL, and three to nine days (5.71±1.35 days) respectively. Post-operative pneumothorax occurred in three cases without other complications. All the cases received follow-up for one to 45 months after discharge, during which six cases experienced poor wound healing, removed steel plate in 82 cases, and three cases of pectus excavatum recurrence. Conclusions: The Wang procedure is a good option for treating pectus excavatum, secondary pectus excavatum, or recurrent pectus excavatum in paediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br. are proposed for the application in phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil. In this paper, the physiological response, subcellular distribution, chemical form, ultrastructure, and manganese (Mn) absorption characteristics of M. cordata under the stress of 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 mmol/L manganese concentration were studied by sand culture experiment. The results showed that M. cordata seedlings show high tolerance to Mn stress with a concentration of less than 6 mmol/L, while higher Mn concentration showed a significant toxic effect. A low concentration of Mn (≤ 6 mmol/L) can promote the synthesis of chlorophyll and soluble protein; furthermore, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities responded positively. The accumulation of Mn in the inactive metabolic part (cell wall and vacuole) of M. cordata leaves might be one of the main Mn detoxification mechanism. According to the ultrastructure of M. cordata, high-concentration Mn2+ (≥ 12 mmol/L) stress can cause M. cordata cells to be distorted and deformed, black precipitates appeared in the intercellular space, mitochondria decrease, chloroplasts shrink, hungry particles increased, and starch granules decrease. The uptake ability of different tissues for Mn is leaf > root > stem, and transport coefficient decreases with the increase of Mn concentration. Clearly, M. cordata has a certain tolerance to manganese, which has the ecological application potential in Mn-polluted areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-pollution of surface O3 and PM2.5 has become the most predominant type of air pollutions in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in the hot season since 2017, particularly in May–July. Analysis based on observational data showed that co-pollution was always accompanied by high temperature, moderate relative humidity, extremely high SO2, and higher NO2. We also found that the meteorology and precursor dependence of O3 was similar between co-pollution and O3- single pollution. While PM2.5 in co-pollution was more related to temperature, relative humidity, and precursors, that in PM2.5-singe pollution were more related to small winds. These results indicate that co-pollution seemed to be more affected by atmospheric chemistry. According to the PM2.5 components, secondary inorganic aerosols (SIA) composed 44.3–48.7% of PM2.5 in co-pollution, while those accounting for 42.1–46.5% and 41.2–44.3%, respectively, in O3- and PM2.5-single pollution, which further confirmed the relatively stronger atmospheric chemistry processes in co-pollution. And the high proportion of SIA in co-pollution was mainly attributed to SO42−, which was observed to rapidly boom in non-refractory submicron aerosol (NR-PM1) on the condition of high level of O3 at daytime. Additionally, we further explored the interactions of O3 and PM2.5 in co-pollution. It was found that most (~61.9%) co-pollution episodes were initiated by high O3 at daytime; while for other episodes, high PM2.5 firstly occurred under the more stable meteorological conditions, and then accumulation of precursors further induced high O3. A higher SIA concentration was observed in O3-initiated co-pollution, indicating that the atmospheric oxidation in co-pollution caused by chemical processes was stronger than that by physical processes, which was further approved by the higher values of SOR and NOR in O3-initiated co-pollution. This observational study revealed that controlling O3 and precursor SO2 is the key to abating co-pollution in the hot season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Fine root decomposition plays an essential role in the nutrient cycle and energy transfer in terrestrial ecosystems, and changes in decomposition induced by nitrogen (N) deposition have become a global concern. However, patterns of fine root decomposition with N application are still scattered, and the dominant factors regulating decomposition are still controversial. Here, we aimed to explore general patterns and key drivers of decomposition in temperate forests with N application. Methods: From 20 studies, we synthesized 123 records of fine root decomposition in temperate forests where N was applied. We explored the overall effect of decomposition with N application and the variation in decomposition among N application rates, N forms, fertilization condition of root growth and decomposition (FF, from fertilized to fertilized conditions, and UFF, from unfertilized to fertilized conditions), tree functional types and soil depth. The dominant factors of decomposition were identified using regression. Results: Our results showed that N application decreased fine root decomposition. Specifically, decomposition decreased at the application rate of 100–150 kg N ha‒1 yr‒1, under NH4NO3 application, in broadleaf trees and in deep layers, attributable to the inhibited microbial enzyme activity. Decomposition decreased in FF, likely resulting from home-field advantage (HFA) effects. Multiple regressions showed that initial lignin content was the most important factor determining decomposition. Conclusion: Our results suggested that inhibited microbial enzymes were associated with decreased decomposition under N application in temperate forests. Additionally, our results confirmed the importance of initial root traits, such as lignin, in regulating decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advancement in the applications of wearable and smart devices stimulated the investigation for flexible electronic sensor. However, the efficient operation of these sensors at low temperature is a big challenge due to the inactivation of material microstructure. To address this point, we prepared a piezoresistive pressure sensor based on a three-dimensional porous reduced graphene oxide film with microvoids, which endowed the film's excellent mechanical property, and thus the sensor still kept enough sensitivity at 77 K. At room temperature, the sensitivity of the pressure sensor was 0.009 kPa−1 (0–10 kPa), and the response time and recovery time were 13 ms and 25 ms, respectively. In liquid nitrogen, the sensitivity of the pressure sensor was 0.05 kPa−1 (0–5 kPa), and the response time and recovery time are 16 ms and 22 ms, respectively. The sensor showed excellent performances in real-time monitor of breathing, finger bending, frowning, and other human physiological signals. In addition, the sensor is assembled into a 3-pixel array to provide a 3D pressure mapping for various forces under different temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Colistin is used to treat severe antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative infections (GNIs). With the rise of antibiotic resistance, colistin has been used increasingly as a 'last-line' therapy for multidrug-resistant GNIs. We evaluated the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and mortality among patients receiving colistin or one of the new β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors (βL + βLI) (ceftazidime/avibactam, ceftolozane/tazobactam, or meropenem/vaborbactam). Methods: This retrospective cohort study used data from the Premier Healthcare Database. The cohort included propensity score-matched adults with an inpatient stay between January 2016 and December 2018. Patients given both colistin and BL + BLI as treatment for ≥ 72 h were excluded. AKI was defined as acute renal failure or dialysis during hospitalization with antibiotic administration. Propensity score matching was used to control for selection bias and confounding. Logistic regression evaluated associations between treatment, AKI, and in-hospital mortality. Results: The total number of patients in the matched cohorts were 256 in each. Overall, 23.8% and 13.3% of patients receiving colistin or new βL + βLI agents, respectively, experienced AKI during hospitalization (p = 0.002); odds of AKI for colistin were 3.0 (95% CI 1.71, 5.21). Following propensity score-matching, patients without baseline renal disease experienced AKI during hospitalization to a higher degree in the colistin group compared to the βL + βLI group (17.1% vs. 6.8%); colistin use was associated with 3.7 times higher odds (95% CI 1.84, 7.42) of AKI compared to βL + βLI agents. The odds of mortality in patients on colistin developing AKI were more than three times that of patients receiving a BL + BLI agent who developed AKI. Among patients receiving colistin, incident AKI was associated with 6.1 times higher odds (95% CI 2.53, 14.71) of mortality. Conclusions: Patients receiving colistin for GNIs had significantly higher odds of AKI and mortality than those receiving βL + βLI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable sensing technology is receiving great attention due to potential applications in smart electronic devices, which requires the sensors own high sensitivity and flexibility at the same time. In present work, we fabricated piezoresistive sensors with the carbonized melamine foam (CMF) and silver nanowires (AgNWs). The CMF and AgNWs interlace and contact each other to form 3D network structures, thus increasing the conductive path. The CMF provided porous skeleton with elasticity. Due to the synergic effect of CMF and AgNWs, the prepared AgNWs@CMF piezoresistive sensor achieved a high sensitivity (4.97 kpa−1 at 30–50 kpa) and excellent stability during cycles within 4000 s (1000 times). Based on the sensor performance tests, it is proved that the AgNWs@CMF pressure sensor can be used to monitor different positions of the human body. This work provided a new opportunity to manufacture CMF based piezoresistive sensors with high-performance in future development of electronic skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the uniformity of the flow field, the processing stability, and the machining accuracy of the electrochemical machining (ECM) of cross groove structure, in this work, the flow field simulation model of the ECM of cross groove was established, and a flow field analysis was carried out based on the cathodes with different holes. Further, an experimental device was designed for the ECM of the cross groove. The results show that the uniformity of the flow field in the machining gap can be improved by adopting the symmetrical and uniform placement of the cathode hole, and the design of the connecting groove at the outlet of the cathode. In the ECM experiment, the reasonable selection of processing parameters such as the cathode feed velocity and the machining voltage can effectively improve the process stability and machining accuracy. When the diameter of the cathode hole is smaller, the cross groove with better machining effect can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A coordinated adaptive feedback linearization controller (FLC-A) based on a flux observer for DC-based DFIG to track the maximum power point (MPP) is introduced in this paper. The stator and rotor of DFIG are connected to DC grid directly by two voltage source converters. First, an adaptive controller is used to track the MPP on the system which is decoupled by a single-loop feedback linearization strategy. Meanwhile, the proposed controller can estimate and compensate the changes of stator and rotor resistances caused by physical environment in real time, and improve the dynamic performance of the system; second, under the persistent excitation condition (PED), a stator flux observer with online resistance estimation in the stationary reference frame is adopted to replace the traditional flux calculation method or flux meter, which increases system reliability. The stability of adaptive control rate and nonlinear observer is proved by Lyapunov theory. Simulations are carried out to prove the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the difference of patellofemoral kinematics between weightbearing and non-weightbearing conditions in the arthrofibrotic knee after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.Methods: Twenty patients with arthrofibrosis after ACL reconstruction were included in the study. Computed tomography scanner and dual fluoroscopic imaging techniques were used to compare patellofemoral kinematics of the affected knee between weightbearing knee flexion and non-weightbearing knee flexion. In both positions, patellofemoral kinematics in six degrees-of-freedom (6 DOF) were measured respectively.Results: The patellar lateral tilt angle (p = 0.007) and medial patellar translation (p = 0.043) under the weightbearing condition were significantly decreased compared to the non-weightbearing task between 5° and 15° of knee flexion. The lateral patellar translation during a non-weightbearing task was significantly decreased between 60° and 75° of knee flexion (p = 0.005), and the inferior patellar translation under the weightbearing condition was significantly increased between 45° and 75° of knee flexion (p = 0.040).Conclusion: These results indicate that patellofemoral kinematics during non-weightbearing positions do not sufficiently represent the patellar tracking during functional weightbearing activities. Our findings of this study establish the clinical relevance and significance of assessing the patellofemoral kinematics under the weightbearing condition when evaluating patients with arthrofibrosis after ACL reconstruction.Trial Registration: Trial registration number: ChiCTR1900025977. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional artificial intelligence (AI) machine vision technology, based on the von Neumann architecture, uses separate sensing, computing, and storage units to process huge amounts of vision data generated in sensory terminals. The frequent movement of redundant data between sensors, processors and memory, however, results in high-power consumption and latency. A more efficient approach is to offload some of the memory and computational tasks to sensor elements that can perceive and process the optical signal simultaneously. Here, we proposed a non-volatile photomemristor, in which the reconfigurable responsivity can be modulated by the charge and/or photon flux through it and further stored in the device. The non-volatile photomemristor has a simple two-terminal architecture, in which photoexcited carriers and oxygen-related ions are coupled, leading to a displaced and pinched hysteresis in the current-voltage characteristics. For the first time, non-volatile photomemristors implement computationally complete logic with photoresponse-stateful operations, for which the same photomemristor serves as both a logic gate and memory, using photoresponse as a physical state variable instead of light, voltage and memresistance. The polarity reversal of photomemristors shows great potential for in-memory sensing and computing with feature extraction and image recognition for neuromorphic vision., (© 2023. The Author(s).)