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Achieving high crystalline quality germanium‐tin (Ge1 − xSnx) semiconductors at Sn content exceeding 10% is quintessential to implement the long sought‐after silicon‐compatible mid‐infrared photonics. Herein, by using sub‐20 nm Ge nanowires as compliant growth substrates, Ge1 − xSnx alloys with a Sn content of 18% exhibiting a high composition uniformity and crystallinity along a few micrometers in the nanowire axial direction are demonstrated. The measured bandgap energy of the Ge/Ge0.82Sn0.18 core/shell nanowires is 0.322 eV enabling the mid‐infrared photodetection with a cutoff wavelength of 3.9 µm. These narrow bandgap nanowires are also integrated into top‐gated field‐effect transistors and phototransistors. Depending on the gate design, these transistors are found to exhibit either ambipolar or unipolar behavior with a subthreshold swing as low as 228 mV/decade at 85 K. Moreover, varying the top gate voltage from ‐1 to 5 V yields nearly one order of magnitude increase in the photocurrent of the nanowire phototransistor under a 2330 nm illumination. This study shows that the core/shell nanowire architecture with a very thin core not only mitigates the challenges associated with strain build‐up observed in thin films but also provides a promising platform for all‐group IV mid‐infrared photonics and nanoelectronics paving the way toward sensing and imaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is crucial to explore the impact of dietary interventions on depression and develop functional antidepressant foods, due to the significant side effects and poor treatment compliance of antidepressant drugs. Osmanthus fragrans flowers are edible and medicinal materials owing to their delightful floral aroma and significant health benefits. Here, we evaluated the antidepressant effects of the ethanolic extract of O. fragrans var. thunbergii flowers (OFE) and investigated the mechanisms of action on the serotonin system and neuroinflammation, and analyzed the main chemical components of OFE. A single administration of OFE significantly reduced the immobility duration in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests in mice without affecting locomotor activity. OFE exhibited selective enhancing effects on 5‐HTergic function in vivo, as demonstrated by its potentiating effects on 5‐hydroxytryptophan (5‐HTP)‐induced head‐twitch behavior and alleviation effects on reserpine‐induced ptosis deficits. In addition, OFE increased 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) concentration and upregulated 5‐HT1A expression in reserpine‐treated mice, further validating its effects on 5‐HT transmission. Interestingly, OFE significantly alleviated microglia activation and the production of inflammatory mediators, both in reserpine‐treated mice in vivo and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated BV‐2 cells in vitro. Additionally, 62 components in OFE were identified using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight high‐resolution mass spectrometry, and glycoside derivatives were shown to be the major constituents of OFE. The present study showed that OFE can alleviate depressive‐like behaviors by modulating the serotonin system and reducing neuroinflammation. These results suggest that OFE can be valuable dietary supplements with therapeutic effects on depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical performance of tissue-engineered grafts is crucial in determining their functional properties, integration with native tissue and long-term repair outcome post-implantation. To date, most approaches for testing the mechanical properties of tissue-engineered grafts are non-sterile and invasive. There is an urgent need to develop novel sterile approaches for online monitoring mechanical properties of engineered tissues in order to ensure these engineered products meet the desired mechanical strength prior to implantation. In this paper, we overview various approaches for mechanical testing of engineered tissues, which span from traditional methods to medical imaging concepts in magnetic resonance elastography, ultrasound elastography, and optical coherence elastography. We focused on the applicability of these methods to the manufacturing of tissue-engineered products online, e.g., if such approach provides a sterile monitoring capacity and is capable of defining mechanical heterogeneity in engineered tissues throughout their growth in vitro in real-time. The review delves into various imaging modalities that employ distinct methods for inducing displacement within the sample, utilizing either strain-based or shear wave-based approaches. This displacement can be achieved through external stimulation or by harnessing ambient vibrations. Subsequently, the imaging process captures and visualizes the resultant displacement. We specifically highlight the advantages of novel non-invasive imaging methods such as ultrasound elastography and optical coherence elastography to assess the mechanical properties of engineered tissues in vitro, as well as their potential applications in cancer study, drug screening and the in vivo evaluation of the engineered tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A neutral Polygonatum cyrtonema polysaccharide (NPCP) was isolated and purified from Polygonatum cyrtonema by various chromatographic techniques, including DEAE-52 and Sephadex-G100 chromatography. The structure of NPCP was characterized by HPLC, HPGPC, GC-MS, FT-IR, NMR, and SEM. Results showed that NPCP is composed of glucose (55.4%) and galactose (44.6%) with a molecular weight of 3.2 kDa, and the sugar chain of NPCP was →1)-α-D-Glc-(4→1)-β-D-Gal-(3→. In vitro bioactivity experiments demonstrated that NPCP significantly enhanced macrophages proliferation and phagocytosis while inhibiting the M1 polarization induced by LPS as well as the M2 polarization induced by IL-4 and IL-13 in macrophages. Additionally, NPCP suppressed the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α in both M1 and M2 cells but promoted the secretion of IL-10. These results suggest that NPCP could serve as an immunomodulatory agent with potential applications in anti-inflammatory therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of chloride ion concentration and applied bias voltage on the electrochemical migration (ECM) behavior between Cu and Ag under an NaCl thin electrolyte layer (TEL). Design/methodology/approach: A self-made experimental setup for the ECM behavior between Cu and Ag was designed. An HD video measurement microscopy was used to observe the typical dendrite/corrosion morphology and pH distribution. Short-circuit time (SCT), short-circuit current density and the influence of the galvanic effect between Cu and Ag on their ECM behavior were studied by electrochemical tests. The surface morphology and composition of dendrite were characterized by FESEM/EDS. Findings: The SCT increased with increasing NaCl concentration but decreased with increasing applied bias voltage, and the SCT between Cu and Ag was less than that between Cu and Cu because their galvanic effect accelerated the dissolution and migration of Cu. When NaCl concentration was less than or equal to 6 mmol/L, cedar-like dendrite was formed, whereas no dendrite formed and only precipitation occurred at high chloride ion concentration (100 mmol/L). The composition of the dendrite between Cu and Ag was copper. Research limitations/implications: The significance of this study is to clarify the ECM failure mechanism of printed circuit board (PCB) with an immersion silver surface finish (PCB-ImAg). Practical implications: This study provides a basic theoretical basis for the selection of protective measures and metal coatings for PCB. Social implications: The social implication of this study is to predict the service life of PCB. Originality/value: The ECM behavior of dissimilar metals under a TEL was investigated, the influence of the galvanic effect between them on their ECM was discussed, and the SCT increased with increasing NaCl concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tested a cross-level moderated mediation model depicting the dynamism of individual resource loss through sickness presenteeism precipitated by long working hours and resource gain from group-level team support and the consequent effect on turnover intention over time. Employing a two-wave survey with 4 months in between, data were obtained from 294 nurses (37 teams) working in 12 hospitals across Taiwan. The hierarchical linear modeling analyses revealed that presenteeism partially mediated the effects of working long hours on later turnover intention. Moreover, group-level team support moderated the presenteeism-turnover linkage. Specifically, the damaging effect of working while ill on heightenedturnover intention was drastically attenuated for those with high team support. Our cross-level moderated mediation model has thus identified team support as a viable resource that can alleviate the damages of working in precarious conditions and help hospitals to retain nurses. We discussed the theoretical and managerial implications of our findings in the context of resource loss and gain, especially when stress and burnout are highly prevalent for the health care professions in the postpandemic era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High-quality sand bodies of the recent strata in the Guanzhong Basin mainly occur in the north of the Weinan Fault, south of the Kouzhen-Guanshan Fault, and north of the Yuxia-tieluzi Fault. The thickness of the sand bodies decreases from south to north and from east to west. • Precipitation from the Qinling and Beishan mountains is the main source of recharge for the guanzhong Basin. The recharge range of the qinling Mountains is greater than that of the Beishan Mountains. • The two sides of the Jing River fault form two relatively independent geothermal water circulation systems. Geothermal water in west of the Jing River fault converges towards the Xi'an-Xianyang area, and geothermal water in east of the Jing River fault converges towards the Huaxian-Pucheng area. The Guanzhong Basin is a Neogene faulted basin with rich geothermal resources. The faults are well developed, and the EW and NNE trending faults have better water conductivity. The main sandstone reservoirs, from young to old, include the Zhangjiapo Formation, the Lantian Bahe Formation, and the Gaoling Formation. This study focuses on the distribution of high-quality sand bodies in the Neogene sandstone reservoirs and the characteristics of geothermal water migration. The overall characteristic of the Neogene sediments in the Guanzhong Basin is coarse in the south and fine in the north, and coarse in the west and fine in the east. The sand bodies in deltas, rivers and near-shore lakes have good reservoir conditions and favourable physical properties, which are conducive to groundwater flow and recharge. The distribution of high-quality sand bodies serves as preferential pathways and reservoir areas for groundwater. Among them, the high-quality sand bodies of the Gaoling Formation are close to the northern foothills of the Qinling Mountains, the sand body area of the Lantian Bahe Formation is the largest, and the sand thickness of the Zhangjiapo Formation is relatively thin. The majority of sandstone geothermal waters in the Guanzhong Basin are of the Cl-Na type, with the most mature water chemistry being on the north side of the Weibei fault. The sandstone geothermal waters in the central and southern parts of the basin mainly receive recharge from the southern Qinling Mountains. The recharge area of geothermal water in the Guanzhong Basin is located in the Xi'an-Xianyang and Huaxian-Pucheng regions. The areas on both sides of the Jing River fault form two relatively independent geothermal water circulation systems. The high-quality sand bodies of the Neogene reservoirs, as well as the east-west trending faults with good water conductivity, serve as preferential pathways and enrichment spaces for geothermal water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By applying the phosphonic acid ligand to the solvothermal reaction of nitrobenzylphosphonic acid (H2L) with Cd(NO3)2·4H2O in a mixed solvent of water and DMF, a novel Cd(II)-based coordination polymer, {[Cd(L)(H2O)2](H2O)}n (1), was successfully synthesized in this study. The excellent fluorescence performance of complex 1 was confirmed through fluorescence spectroscopy testing, and the obtained CIE standard coordinates (0.1599, 0.0786) positioned it in the blue fluorescence region. Transparent hyaluronic acid/carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogels were prepared using chemical synthesis, and their internal microstructure was observed. Using budesonide as a drug model, a new budesonide metal gel was prepared, and its therapeutic efficacy in treating pediatric asthma was evaluated. Molecular docking simulations indicated that the Cd complex formed three hydrogen bonding interactions with the target protein through its nitro group, revealing the potential origin of its biological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glyphosate is an ingredient widely used in various commercial formulations, including Roundup®. This study focused on tight junctions and the expression of inflammatory genes in the small intestine of chicks. On the sixth day of embryonic development, the eggs were randomly assigned to three groups: the control group (CON, n = 60), the glyphosate group (GLYP, n = 60), which received 10 mg of active glyphosate/kg egg mass, and the Roundup®-based glyphosate group also received 10 mg of glyphosate. The results indicated that the chicks exposed to glyphosate or Roundup® exhibited signs of oxidative stress. Additionally, histopathological alterations in the small intestine tissues included villi fusion, complete fusion of some intestinal villi, a reduced number of goblet cells, and necrosis of some submucosal epithelial cells in chicks. Genes related to the small intestine (ZO-1, ZO-2, Claudin-1, Claudin-3, JAM2, and Occludin), as well as the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFNγ, IL-1β, and IL-6), exhibited significant changes in the groups exposed to glyphosate or Roundup® compared to the control group. In conclusion, the toxicity of pure glyphosate or Roundup® likely disrupts the small intestine of chicks by modulating the expression of genes associated with tight junctions in the small intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CdIn 2 S 4 / x ZnO (CIS/ x ZnO) and CdIn 2 S 4 /12.3ZnO-PAN x (CIS/12.3ZnO-PAN x , PAN is polyacrylonitrile) photocatalysts were prepared and their activities in photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production were studied. Their physicochemical properties were determined by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, UV–vis and PEC. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under the irradiation with full spectrum light was carried out to evaluate its photocatalytic activity and stability. The catalyst CIS/12.3ZnO-PAN30 exhibits the H 2 production rate of 4.31 mmol g−1 h−1, ∼61.5 and 5.8 times that of PAN (0.07 mmol g−1 h−1) and CIS/12.3ZnO (0.74 mmol g−1 h−1), respectively. EPR, VB-XPS, Mott-Schottky analysis illustrate that the Z scheme-type II photo carriers transfer path is formed on the interfaces of the PAN/ZnO/CIS in the CIS/12.3ZnO-PAN30 composite, which is more favorable to the spatial separation and migration of photogenerated carriers with the light irradiation, thus significantly increasing the activity of the photocatalytic production. This work supplies a feasible method for preparation of novel ternary organic-inorganic hybrid photocatalysts. [Display omitted] • H 2 production rate of CIS/12.3ZnO-PAN30 is promoted to 4.31 mmol/g/h. • Z scheme-type II heterojunctions formed on the PAN/ZnO/CIS interfaces. • Interaction between components improves physicochemical property of the catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stress corrosion behavior of ADC12 Al alloy tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding joint (WJ) outside its elastic deformation range was studied using electrochemical testing methods combined with surface analysis techniques in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution at 30 °C. The results showed that, with the enlargement of imparted stress, the corrosion potential of the TIG WJ shifted positively, the corrosion current density increased, and the polarization resistance decreased, indicating that the corrosion rate of the TIG WJ increased with the enlargement of imparted stress. With the prolongation of immersion time, the corrosion rate of the TIG WJ increased and then subsequently decreased. In addition, the plasticity and ductility of the TIG WJ decreased with the enlargement of imparted stress. When the imparted stress was 2100 N and 4200 N, the corrosion products on its surface were mainly composed of Al 2 O 3 and Al(OH) 3. This study provided a theoretical basis for the selection of structural materials and welding methods in the automotive, marine and aerospace fields. • The stress corrosion behavior of the Al alloy TIG WJ was studied. • The corrosion rate of the Al alloy TIG WJ increased with the increase of imparted stress. • The plasticity and ductility of the Al alloy TIG WJ decreased with the increase of imparted stress. • The Al alloy TIG WJ is in an active dissolution state under 4200 N stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The processing and analysis of massive high-dimensional datasets are important issues in precision livestock farming (PLF). This study explored the use of multivariate analysis tools to analyze environmental data from multiple sensors located throughout a broiler house. An experiment was conducted to collect a comprehensive set of environmental data including particulate matter (TSP, PM 10 , and PM 2.5), ammonia, carbon dioxide, air temperature, relative humidity, and in-cage and aisle wind speeds from 60 locations in a typical commercial broiler house. The dataset was divided into 3 growth phases (wk 1–3, 4–6, and 7–9). Spearman's correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to investigate the latent associations between environmental variables resulting in the identification of variables that played important roles in indoor air quality. Three cluster analysis methods; k-means, k-medoids, and fuzzy c-means cluster analysis (FCM), were used to group the measured parameters based on their environmental impact in the broiler house. In general, the Spearman and PCA results showed that the in-cage wind speed, aisle wind speed, and relative humidity played critical roles in indoor air quality distribution during broiler rearing. All 3 clustering methods were found to be suitable for grouping data, with FCM outperforming the other 2. Using data clustering, the broiler house spaces were divided into 3, 2, and 2 subspaces (clusters) for wk 1 to 3, 4 to 6, and 7 to 9, respectively. The subspace in the center of the house had a poorer air quality than other subspaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The soluble product of LiDFOB hinder salt decomposition. • EQCM and in situ EIS analysis revealed three stages of diffusion of soluble products. • The standing process improved the quality of the SEI membrane significantly. The challenge of improving low-temperature performance in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is attributed to the formation of an unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film. Lithium difluoro(oxalate)borate (LiODFB) has demonstrated potential in enhancing capacity retention and reducing impedance at low temperatures by establishing a high ion conductivity and stable SEI layer. Previous research indicates that the BOF2− anion, a soluble product of film formation additive of LiODFB hinder salt decomposition by aggregating on the electrode surface. This study presents a strategy to intensify the film formation process of LiODFB additives by introducing an optimal standing time during intermittent discharge processes. Three specific stages of soluble product diffusion are discussed. Diffusion starts from the outer layer of adsorption composed of soluble substances, gradually extends to the inner layer of adsorption, and finally establishes a new connection with the electrode. A brief standing time proves insufficient for inner adsorption layer diffusion, while excessively extended standing time fails to accelerate LiODFB decomposition. A standing time of 2300 s is selected to promote a stable SEI layer. This strategy elevates the capacity retention rate of cells at –20 °C from 66.59 % to 84.44 %. The study offers a method to address battery performance degradation in low-temperature conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This is the first report showing that Ld CyPA induces immune escape in L. donovani. • Ld CyPA increases the survival of parasites by modifying macrophage immunological response. • Ld CyPA facilitates immune escape by blocking the MAPK signaling pathway. Visceral leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Macrophages serve as the primary host cells for L. donovani , the immune response capability of these host cells is crucial for parasites' intracellular survival. L. donovani peptidyl-prolyl cis /trans isomerase Cyclophilin A (Ld CypA) is a key protein for L. donovani intracellular proliferation, while the molecular mechanism conducive to intracellular survival of parasites remains elusive. In this study, we generated a macrophage cell line overexpressing Ld CyPA to investigate its role in controlling host immunity and promoting intracellular immune escape of L. donovani. It was discovered that the overexpression of the Ld CyPA cell line regulated the host immune response following infection by downregulating the proportion of M1-type macrophages, promoting the secretion of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-4, and inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors like IL-12, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and INOS. Transcriptome sequencing and mechanistic validation, meanwhile, demonstrated that cells overexpressing Ld CyPA controlled the immune responses that followed infection by blocking the phosphorylation of P38 and JNK1/2 proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway and simultaneously increasing the phosphorylation of ERK proteins, which helped the L. donovani escape immune recognition. Our findings thus pave the way for the development of host-directed antiparasitic drugs by illuminating the pro- Leishmania survival mechanism of L. donovani cyclophilin A and exposing a novel immune escape strategy for L. donovani that targets host cellular immune regulation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dried fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (S. chinensis) is widely used in treating central nervous system disorders. Increasing evidence has suggested that alcohol-soluble extracts and lignans from S. chinensis could significantly ameliorate depression-like behaviors in animal models, while there was little research on the potential of alcohol-insoluble polysaccharides as a candidate in the treatment of depression. Our research was designed to explore both the physicochemical characteristics and antidepressant-like effects of an alcohol-insoluble polysaccharide-rich fraction named SCP from S. chinensis. Simultaneously, the underlying mechanisms were elucidated in the study. The physicochemical characteristics were accomplished by colorimetric assays, CE, HPGPC, and FT-IR. Behavioral despair testing accompanied by LAT were processed to promptly assess the antidepressant-like effects of SCP in mice. Then OBX-induced mice were established to explore the impacts of chronic co-treatments with SCP. Furthermore, effects of SCP on the HPA axis, oxidant/antioxidant system, neurotrophic and synaptic factors, and gut microbiota in OBX-induced mice were detected through ELISA and 16S rDNA (V3 + V4 regions) gene sequencing. SCP is a polysaccharide-rich fraction mainly comprised of xylose, glucose, rhamnose, galactose, mannose, and galacturonic acid in ratios of 0.27, 5.09, 0.24, 1.00, 0.63, and 2.86, of which the MW distribution ranges from 681 to 3232 Da. Acute pre-treatment with SCP (200 mg/kg, i.g.) remarkably reduced mice's immobility in the FST without motor stimulation. Prolonged pre-treatments effectively enhanced the effects of SCP on the behavioral despair testing in mice. Chronic co-treatments with SCP (50, 200, and 800 mg/kg, i.g.) could ameliorate the slow increase of body weight and behavioral abnormality of OBX-induced mice in systemic behavioral testing. SCP (200 mg/kg) also successfully restored hyperactivity of the HPA axis, oxidative damage in the liver, neurotrophic disturbance and abnormal synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, and dysregulation of gut microbiota in OBX-induced mice. SCP exerts noteworthy antidepressant-like impacts on behavioral despair mice and OBX-induced mice via multiple targets, indicating a potential therapeutic candidate in depression therapy. [Display omitted] • SCP was obtained from S. chinensis and chemically elucidated across the board. • Sub-chronic pre-treatments with SCP exerted better effects in behavioral despair mice. • Chronic co-treatments with SCP displayed significant effects in OBX-induced mice. • The modulatory effects in OBX-induced mice might be achieved via multiple targets. • Gut microbiota noteworthily mediated the antidepressant-like effects of SCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The polygenic risk score (PRS) based on 38 SNPs exhibited the most robust association with the risk of radiation-induced brain injury (RBI). • Significant interactions were detected between genetic and clinical variables associated with the risk of RBI. • The PRS has the potential to serve as a valuable tool for informing personalized radiotherapy decisions for individuals. • The addition of PRS to the clinical model resulted in a statistically significant improvement in the predictive accuracy of the combined model. Radiation-induced brain injury (RBI) is a severe radiotoxicity for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients, greatly affecting their long-term life quality and survival. We aim to establish a comprehensive predictive model including clinical factors and newly developed genetic variants to improve the precision of RBI risk stratification. By performing a large registry-based retrospective study with magnetic resonance imaging follow-up on RBI development, we conducted a genome-wide association study and developed a polygenic risk score (PRS) for RBI in 1189 NPC patients who underwent intensity-modulated radiotherapy. We proposed a tolerance dose scheme for temporal lobe radiation based on the risk predicted by PRS. Additionally, we established a nomogram by combining PRS and clinical factors for RBI risk prediction. The 38-SNP PRS could effectively identify high-risk individuals of RBI (P = 1.42 × 10−34). Based on genetic risk calculation, the recommended tolerance doses of temporal lobes should be 57.6 Gy for individuals in the top 10 % PRS subgroup and 68.1 Gy for individuals in the bottom 50 % PRS. Notably, individuals with high genetic risk (PRS > P 50) and receiving high radiation dose in the temporal lobes (D 0.5CC > 65 Gy) had an approximate 50-fold risk over individuals with low PRS and receiving low radiation dose (HR = 50.09, 95 %CI = 24.27–103.35), showing an additive joint effect (P interaction < 0.001). By combining PRS with clinical factors including age, tumor stage, and radiation dose of temporal lobes, the predictive accuracy was significantly improved with C-index increased from 0.78 to 0.85 (P = 1.63 × 10−2). The PRS, together with clinical factors, could improve RBI risk stratification and implies personalized radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]