Search

We consider the following nonlinear elliptic equations − Δ u + u + λ ϕ (x) | u | r − 2 u = | u | p − 1 u , x ∈ Ω , − Δ ϕ (x) = | u | q , x ∈ Ω , ϕ (x) = u (x) = 0 , x ∈ ∂ Ω , (P) where p , q , r > 1 , λ is a parameter and Ω ⊂ R 3 is a bounded domain. For q = r = 2 , the equations reduce to the Schrödinger–Poisson equations. Without the need of imposing constraint that q must be equal to r , we establish a priori estimates, the nonexistence and existence of solutions for problem (P). Our results extend previous work for the case q = r to more general case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) is not only related to infection but also involves immune factors. This study explores the changes in T-lymphocyte subsets in children with TB who are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative and examines their relationship using chest computed tomography (CT) scans. Additionally, the study identifies risk factors for severe TB (STB) in children and establishes relevant risk prediction models. We recruited 235 participants between 2018 and 2022, comprising 176 paediatric patients with TB who were HIV-negative and 59 age-matched children with bacterial community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We quantitatively analysed and compared T-lymphocyte subsets between the two groups and among different types of TB infection. Both univariate and multivariate analyses of clinical and laboratory characteristics were conducted to identify independent risk factors for STB in children and to establish a risk prediction model. The absolute counts of CD3, CD4 and CD8 T-cells in children with TB infection decreased significantly compared with bacterial CAP. The percentage of CD8 T-cells increased, whereas the percentage of CD4 T-cells did not change significantly. The absolute count of CD3, CD4 and CD8 T-cells in extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) was significantly higher than in extra-respiratory TB, with unchanged subset percentages. According to chest CT lesion classification, CD4 T-cell counts decreased significantly in S3 compared with S1 or S2, with no significant change in CD3 and CD8 T-cell counts and percentages. No significant differences were observed in lymphocyte subset counts and percentages between S1 and S2. Univariate analyses indicated that factors such as age, symptom duration, white blood cell count, platelet count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, prealbumin level, albumin level, globulin level, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) level and CD4 and CD8 T-cell counts are associated with STB. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, Hs-CRP level, NLR, symptom duration and A/G ratio are independent risk factors for STB in children. Increased age, Hs-CRP levels and NLR, along with decreased A/G, correlate with increased susceptibility to STB. A nomogram model, based on these independent risk factors, demonstrated an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.867 (95% CI: 0.813–0.921). Internal verification confirmed the model's accuracy, with the calibration curve approaching the ideal and the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showing consistent results (χ2 = 12.212, p = 0.142). In paediatric patients with TB, the absolute counts of all lymphocyte subsets were considerably reduced compared with those in patients with bacterial CAP. Clinicians should consider the possibility of EPTB infection in addition to respiratory infections in children with TB who have higher CD3, CD4 and CD8 T-cell counts than the ERTB group. Furthermore, CD4 T-cell counts correlated closely with the severity of chest CT lesions. Age, symptom duration, A/G ratio, Hs-CRP level and NLR were established as independent risk factors for STB. The nomogram model, based on these factors, offers effective discrimination and calibration in predicting STB in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosorption mediated by peptides or proteins has emerged as an efficient and sustainable alternative for selective rare earth element (REE) recovery from waste streams, and will diversify REE supply while reducing the environmental burden. REE-binding peptides/proteins can be created and identified by using the state-of-the-art approaches, including phage display, rational design, proteomics, and homology modeling, and can be optimized by protein engineering for improved functionality and desirable properties. The activity of REE-binding peptides and proteins can be harnessed by engineering robust and reusable biomaterials for the selective recovery of REEs. The escalating global demand for rare earth elements (REEs) and the overabundance of REE-containing waste require innovative technologies for REE recovery from waste to achieve a sustainable supply of REEs while reducing the environmental burden. Biosorption mediated by peptides or proteins has emerged as a promising approach for selective REE recovery. To date, multiple peptides and proteins with high REE-binding affinity and selectivity have been discovered, and various strategies are being exploited to engineer robust and reusable biosorptive materials for selective REE recovery. This review highlights recent advances in discovering and engineering peptides and proteins for REE recovery. Future research prospects and challenges are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The TENS frequency and pulse width parameters were linearly co-modulated both in positive and negative correlation. • Co-modulated TENS can evoke better sensation than individually modulated TENS in a discrete paradigm. • Frequency and pulse width co-modulation generates stronger and more accurate responses but lead to faster sensory adaptation. The bidirectional communication between the hand and brain is profoundly reliant on tactile perception. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can evoke tactile sensation, but its role in fingertip force control is not well understood. We examined the tactile sensation evoked by TENS, especially the effects of concurrent modulation of TENS parameters compared to individual-parameter modulation on fingertip force control in both continuous (with dynamic stimulation force) and discrete (with static stimulation force) paradigms. Co-modulation was accomplished by linearly altering TENS pulse width and frequency in fixed proportions either positively (both pulse width and frequency increased and decreased simultaneously) or negatively (one increased while the other decreased) at a given "stimulation" force level applied by an instructor. Subjects then generated a "response" force with their fingertips to demonstrate the strength of perceived tactile sensation. The mean, maximum, and duration of response forces and the ratios of response force to stimulation force were examined in different phases and consecutive trials of stimulation. The positive and negative co-modulations led to stronger and longer duration response sensitivity than the individual modulations. In addition, subjects could effectively discriminate the evoked tactile sensation variations with co-modulated stimulation parameters from the lower to the higher modulation intensities. The co-modulations were more likely to cause sensory adaptations than the independent modulations. The findings of this study suggested that the co-modulated TENS can result in effective responses to tactile sensation when stimulation trials are controlled. The TENS with co-modulation may serve as an effective tool for eliciting tactile sensations for precise fingertip force control. The findings of this study may play a role in developing bidirectional hand/digit prostheses or restoring hand sensorimotor function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was the first to examine the mechanical behavior of sediment-bearing methane hydrates (SBMHs) with hydrate abundance up to 80%. The experiment results showed that the stress–strain curves of the SBMH specimens were characterized by the elastic–plastic deformation or plastic–elastic–plastic deformation of the specimens, prominent strain softening, and a rounded head-like trailing peak shape with no obvious stress cusps. Increasing the hydrate content and pore pressure, and reducing the temperature significantly enhanced the peak strength and initial tangent modulus of the specimens, but led to a decline in the peak strain. New correlation equations for initial tangent modulus, peak strength, and peak strain depending on hydrate abundance, pore pressure, and temperature were developed. A modified hyperbolic constitutive model was proposed by introducing a correction term to the Duncan–Chang model that reflects the degree of specimen softening and considering the effects of the hydrate abundance, temperature, and pore pressure. The modified model satisfactorily revealed the strain-softening characteristics of the SBMHs and accurately reproduced the peak strength and strain of all experimental specimens, effectively characterizing the contributions of the hydrate content, pore pressure, and temperature to the stress–strain behaviors of the specimens. • Mechanical properties of high-abundance methane hydrates are investigated. • The effects of hydrate abundance, temperature, and pore pressure are considered. • Changing patterns for the elastic modulus, peak strength and strain are revealed. • Stress-strain curves exhibit strain softening behavior and a rounded peak strength. • A nonlinear constitutive model considering the strain softening effect is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A D-p-A type probe has been developed for detection of ClO−. • The mechanism associated with oxidation breakage of rhodanine moiety was proposed. • The crystal structure of the probe is reported. • The probe has been successfully applied to the imaging of ClO− in cells, plants and zebrafish. Hypochlorite (ClO−) plays an important role in many cellular processes, which is proved to be related to some serious diseases. Given the electron donating and electron withdrawing properties of benzo[ h ]chromene and rhodanine groups, respectively, we developed a Donor (D)-p-Acceptor (A) type probe 1 for the detection of ClO− based on benzo[ h ]chromene (D) and rhodanine (A), whose structure was determined by ESI-MS, NMR and X-ray diffraction. Probe 1 showed a fast (within 20 s), selective and sensitive response toward ClO− via a fluorescent turn-on output. Based-on the spectral change of probe 1 induced by ClO−, the mechanism associated with oxidation breakage of rhodanine moiety was proposed. Due to the excellent biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity, probe 1 can be used for imaging of ClO− in C6 cells, Arabidopsis thaliana, and zebrafish. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]