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Purpose: We aimed to analyze 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) images via the radiomic method to develop a model and validate the potential value of features reflecting glioma metabolism for predicting isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genotype and prognosis. Methods: PET images of 127 patients were retrospectively analyzed. A series of quantitative features reflecting the metabolic heterogeneity of the tumors were extracted, and a radiomic signature was generated using the support vector machine method. A combined model that included clinical characteristics and the radiomic signature was then constructed by multivariate logistic regression to predict the IDH genotype status, and the model was evaluated and verified by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration curves. Finally, Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to analyze overall survival (OS) according to the predicted result. Results: The generated radiomic signature was significantly associated with IDH genotype (p < 0.05) and could achieve large areas under the ROC curve of 0.911 and 0.900 on the training and validation cohorts, respectively, with the incorporation of age and type of tumor metabolism. The good agreement of the calibration curves in the validation cohort further validated the efficacy of the constructed model. Moreover, the predicted results showed a significant difference in OS between high- and low-risk groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results indicate that the 18F-FDG metabolism-related features could effectively predict the IDH genotype of gliomas and stratify the OS of patients with different prognoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A plant material-based air purifier (PMAP) was evaluated for odour removal. Laboratory tests were performed using two identical chambers: one treated by PMAP, and one as the control. Swine manure, hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3) were tested as odour sources. The test was also conducted in a swine barn. Air samples were taken from test chambers and two rooms in the pig barn and analysed for H2S, NH3 and odour concentrations. When treated with PMAP, the H2S concentration in the sealed chamber was subject to exponential decay, with the decay constant ranging from 0.59 to 0.70 1/h. The H2S concentration was reduced from 20 to 3 ppm in 3 h and to 0.2 ppm in 7 h for H2S produced by chemical reaction, and from 0.4 to 0.02 ppm in 3 h for swine manure as the odour source. When an equal amount of ammonia solution was placed in the two test chambers, the NH3 concentration reached a peak value of 25 ppm in the chamber treated by PMAP, and 43 ppm in the control. The NH3 concentration in the treated chamber was reduced to 5 ppm in 3.5 h but stayed at 37 ppm in the control. The PMAP reduced the NH3 concentration from 38 to 10 ppm when swine manure was used as the odour source. The PMAP was capable of reducing swine odour in both laboratory and in-barn conditions. The reduction rate was at least 50%. The results from this research indicate the plant-based materials provide an alternative, environmentally friendly way for odour control. It is also shown that the mode of odour reduction by the PMAP was the removal of odour compounds, in contrast to odour masking, which occurs for most plant materials that have been used for odour control. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: A summary of detailed isothermal magnetization along with the ac susceptibility measurements on Ce(Fe0.93Ru0.07)2 is presented. Near the first-order transition, i.e. near 110K, Ce(Fe0.93Ru0.07)2 displays a large positive magnetic entropy change, ΔSm, of 7.8J/kgK in fields of only 2T, i.e. it displays a strong inverse magnetocaloric (MCE) effect, as expected, on entering an antiferromagnetic (AF) state. However, the variation of the magnitude and width of this entropy change with field are anomalous when compared with model predictions, the former increasing with applied field below 2T, while the latter exceeds 60K in a field of 8T. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A summary of the results of ac susceptibility and isothermal magnetization measurements on polycrystalline samples of Ce2Fe17− x Si x with nominal composition of x=0.0, 0.1, 0.2 and 1.0 is presented. These data reveal that the substitution of small amounts of Si for Fe produce a significant increase in temperature at which ferromagnetism appears, to the extent that, at x=1, characteristics of the anti ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition (at temperature T N) have disappeared completely. The nature of the various magnetic phase transitions — identified through the use of Arrott plots — and the accompanying magnetic entropy change, ΔSm, are both affected significantly by small amounts of Si substitution. In particular, while the peak entropy change is modest (occurring at x=0.1), the temperature interval over which a substantial entropy change occures is significant, approaching 150K, an important criterion for improving the overall effectiveness of such materials for magnetic refrigeration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In most studies, the major supplement docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is administered orally or intraperitoneally. In this study, we proposed to assess the safety and efficacy of the intravitreal injection of DHA in an age-related macular degeneration (AMD) rat model. Different concentrations of DHA were injected into the vitreous body. Histopathology and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) analysis showed that there was no difference in thickness, observable structure, or apoptosis among the untreated, normal saline, and DHA groups (0.2, 1.0, 5.0 and 10 μg). However, GFAP expression was increased in the 10 μg group. To investigate whether intravitreal injection of DHA could protect photoreceptors, we developed a NaIO 3 -induced retinal damage model in adult rats. Decreases in deformation and thickness were observed in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) after NaIO 3 administration but were improved with DHA injection. The NaIO 3 group showed a substantial reduction in the number of nuclei in ONL, whereas the DHA group showed an increase. Additionally, significant increases in SOD activity and Nrf2 expression were observed after DHA injection; GFAP and NF-κB expression levels were markedly decreased by DHA injection. Moreover, Western blotting showed that Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and CHOP were notably increased in the NaIO 3 group but were significantly decreased by DHA injection. Collectively, intravitreal injection of DHA is safe and effective in select doses in a NaIO 3 -induced AMD rat model. The current results suggest that intravitreal injection of DHA may be a new avenue for the treatment of AMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Couples exhibit significantly greater prefrontal alpha synchronization compared to close friends even in a non-interactive and natural context. • Low-relationship-quality couples required heightened neural compensation to maintain robust behavioral synchronization, indicating the significance of relationship quality on couple emotional coordination. • Support vector machine analysis highlights the crucial role of prefrontal activity in differentiating couples from friends, suggesting its importance in romantic emotional coordination. • This research contributes to our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying emotional coordination within romantic relationships, shedding light on the intricacies of romantic emotions. Emotions are fundamental to social interaction and deeply intertwined with interpersonal dynamics, especially in romantic relationships. Although the neural basis of interaction processes in romance has been widely explored, the underlying emotions and the connection between relationship quality and neural synchronization remain less understood. Our study employed EEG hyperscanning during a non-interactive video-watching paradigm to compare the emotional coordination between romantic couples and close friends. Couples showed significantly greater behavioral and prefrontal alpha synchronization than friends. Notably, couples with low relationship quality required heightened neural synchronization to maintain robust behavioral synchronization. Further support vector machine analysis underscores the crucial role of prefrontal activity in differentiating couples from friends. In summary, our research addresses gaps concerning how intrinsic emotions linked to relationship quality influence neural and behavioral synchronization by investigating a natural non-interactive context, thereby advancing our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying emotional coordination in romantic relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The isobaric compressed air energy storage system is a critical technology supporting the extensive growth of offshore renewable energy. Experimental validation of the coupling control between isobaric compressed air energy storage and renewable energy sources, such as wind power, is essential. This study pioneers coupling experiments between isobaric compressed air energy storage and wind power. Unstable wind power generation is entirely absorbed by adjusting the piston compressor speed, ensuring that the actual power deviation from the target power does not exceed ±5% during the adjustment process. The experiment affirms that real-time absorption of unstable wind power is achievable through regulating the compressor speed via PID. Concurrently, maintaining a constant hot water temperature under variable load can also be accomplished by regulating the cooling water flow via PID, thereby ensuring the efficient operation of the energy storage system. Throughout the coupling regulation experiment involving energy storage and wind power, despite the constant variation in compressor load corresponding to wind power fluctuations, the exhaust pressure at each compressor stage remained essentially constant, and the exhaust temperature across all stages tended towards stability. The research findings establish a foundation for the application of isobaric compressed air energy storage in the development of offshore renewable energy. • A novel isobaric compressed air energy storage experimental prototype is proposed. • Experiments between isobaric compressed air energy storage and wind power. • Real-time absorption of wind power through PID-adjusting the compressor speed. • Exhaust pressure and temperature is not affected by piston compressor load. • Constant hot water temperature under variable load can be accomplished. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems offer significant potential as large-scale physical energy storage technologies. Given the increasing global emphasis on carbon reduction strategies and the rapid growth of renewable energy sources, CAES has garnered considerable attention. However, the optimal design of CAES systems presents challenges due to the intricate coupling of multiple parameters, complex physical processes, and highly variable operating conditions. This paper comprehensively reviews three key aspects related to CAES optimal design. Firstly, it examines system analysis and optimization methodologies. Secondly, it investigates the off-design characteristics of CAES systems. Lastly, it explores system design methodologies specifically addressing off-design operations. Notably, the corresponding-point methodology (CPM) is proposed as a means to provide clearer guidance for system improvements. Future research should aim to combine CPM with traditional methods to establish more efficient and intuitive system optimization approaches. Furthermore, the exploration of active off-design regulation strategies, including the integration of various adjustment methods and multistage combined regulation for CAES systems experiencing wide load fluctuations, requires further investigation. Novel CAES configurations that enable efficient off-design conditions should also be explored, despite the inherent complexities associated with regulation and control. Finally, a coupled design methodology based on off-design operation data and probabilistic-load factor analysis is presented. This paper provides valuable insights and guidance for the optimal design and study of CAES systems. • CPM combined with traditional methods is needed to improve CAES round-trip efficiency • Not high temperature/pressure but "corresponding" is key factor to high round-trip efficiency • Multiple regulations and new system structure are needed for wide-load operation • Design methodology addressing complex off-design operations needs further improvement [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel IES combined with hybrid electrical/thermal storage and ORC is proposed. • Off-design of gas turbine, ORC's combined heat and power, and harvesting heat flexibly are considered. • SOC of battery energy storage system and HSD / CSD of thermal energy storage system are compared. • ORC's CHP mode is beneficial to decrease investment of hybrid electric/thermal storage and increase its planning capacity. • Bi-level optimization method is beneficial for IES's optimal dispatch, planning and renewal. Integrated energy system (IES) is characterized as a heterogeneous system, providing energetic, economic and environmental benefits by cooperating with multiple energy carriers. However, current studies rarely focus on utilizing hybrid electric/thermal storage in coordination with harvesting heat flexibly in IES, which should be further considered in the planning period. To this end, a novel IES combined with hybrid electric/thermal storage and multi-output organic Rankine cycle (ORC) is proposed. Considering operating modes of gas turbine, ORC's working manners, and converting patterns of harvesting heat in IES, comparisons of case study and operating characteristics on typical season days are analyzed. A bi-level optimal planning model of hybrid electric/thermal storage with ORC is proposed, consisting of a lower-level operating model and an upper-level planning model. Results show that there is the least operating cost of IES on typical season days under the off-design mode of gas turbine, ORC's combined heat and power (CHP) mode and harvesting heat flexibly, when enabling multi-flows to adjust thermoelectric ratio effectively. ORC's pure power generating mode in IES with low electrical load is not economically attractive, while ORC's CHP mode is beneficial to enhance ORC's consistent dispatching time and electricity producing amount. State of charge of battery energy storage system has similar varying patterns, while heat storage degree and cold storage degree of thermal energy storage system change differently owing to varying thermal loads. The IES is thermodynamically feasible and economically attractive thanks to the bi-level optimization, achieving optimal battery energy storage system capacity of 1773 kWh, thermal energy storage system capacity of 4823 kWh and ORC capacity of 91.25 kW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compressed air energy storage (CAES) technology can play an important role in large-scale utilization of renewable energy, the peak shaving and valley filling of power system, and distributed energy system development. Multi-stage compression and expansion units are key components in CAES systems, while the two key processes exist insufficient study, such as a lack of considering the coordination of temperature and pressure, ignoring coupling relationship between compressor and expander when typically being analyzed independently. To cope with the above critical issues, the new concept of thermal-mechanical coefficient is put forward based on the coupling relationship between temperature and pressure in adiabatic compression and expansion processes, and a C – P diagram (C is thermal-mechanical coefficient, and P is a function of pressure) is established to illustrate the thermodynamic processes concentrating on their work transfer. Besides, the expression of change rate of exergy to enthalpy for adiabatic compression and expansion processes is revealed. By depicting the C – P diagram of single-stage CAES system, it highlights that the thermal-mechanical coefficient of expander is higher compared with that of compressor, but with shorter change in the x -coordinate representing P that results in smaller work output for expander. In addition, it is found that the change of thermal-mechanical coefficient is generally accompanied with thermal-work conversion or heating/cooling effect. When drawing the C – P diagram of a multi-stage CAES system, the influence of heat exchanger's heat/pressure loss and the reduction of expander stage number on system's work transfer process is clearly shown. Significantly, results show that increasing the inlet temperature of expander is beneficial to enhance thermal-mechanical coefficient, which enables the thermal-work conversion ratio to be improved especially at higher inlet pressure and lower outlet pressure. • A new concept of thermal-mechanical coefficient for compressor/expander is proposed. • C – P diagram is proposed to depict thermodynamic processes of CAES systems clearly. • Heating the inlet temperature of expander improves the thermal-mechanical coefficient. • Changing rate of exergy to enthalpy of adiabatic compression/expansion is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glaucoma is an irreversible blinding eye disease characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death.Previous studies have demonstrated that protecting mitochondria and activating the CaMKII/CREB signaling pathway can effectively protect RGC and axon. However, currently treatments are often unsatisfactory, and the pathogenesis of glaucoma requires further elucidation. In this study, a ROS-responsive dual drug conjugate (OLN monomer) is first designed that simultaneously bonds nicotinamide and oleic acid. The conjugate self-assembled into nanoparticles (uhOLN-NPs) through the aggregation of multiple micelles and possesses ROS scavenging capability. Then, a polymer with a hypoxic response function is designed, which encapsulates uhOLN-NPs to form nanoparticles with hypoxic and ROS responses (HOLN-NPs). Under hypoxia in RGCs, the azo bond of HOLN-NPs breaks and releases uhOLN-NPs. Meanwhile, under high ROS conditions, the thioketone bond broke, leading to the dissociation of nano-prodrug. The released nicotinamide and oleic acid co-scavenge ROS and activate the CaMKII/CREB pathway, protecting mitochondria in RGCs. HOLN-NPs exhibit a significantly superior protective effect on R28 cells in glutamate models of glaucoma. The accumulation of HOLN-NPs in retinal RGCs lead to significant inhibition of RGC apoptosis and axonal damage in vivo. Notably, HOLN-NPs provide a new therapeutic approach for patients with neurodegenerative disease., (© 2024 The Author(s). Advanced Science published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Background: The above studies indicate that the SCZ animal model has abnormal gamma oscillations and abnormal functional coupling ability of brain regions at the cortical level. However, few researchers have focused on the correlation between brain complexity and connectivity at the cortical level. In order to provide a more accurate representation of brain activity, we studied the complexity of electrocorticogram (ECoG) signals and the information interaction between brain regions in schizophrenic rats, and explored the correlation between brain complexity and connectivity., Methods: We collected ECoG signal from SCZ rats. The frequency domain and time domain functional connectivity of SCZ rats were evaluated by magnitude square coherence and mutual information (MI). Permutation entropy (PE) and permutation Lempel-Ziv complexity (PLZC) were used to analyze the complexity of ECoG, and the relationship between them was evaluated. In addition, in order to further understand the causal structure of directional information flow among brain regions, we used phase transfer entropy (PTE) to analyze the effective connectivity of the brain., Results: Firstly, in the high gamma band, the complexity of brain regions in SCZ rats is higher than that in normal rats, and the neuronal activity is irregularity. Secondly, the information integration ability of SCZ rats decreased and the communication of brain network information was hindered at the cortical level. Finally, compared with normal rats, the causal relationship between brain regions of SCZ rats was closer, but the information interaction center was not clear., Conclusion: The above findings suggest that at the cortical level, complexity and connectivity are valid biomarkers for identifying SCZ. This bridges the gap between peak potentials and EEG. This may help to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms at the cortical level in schizophrenics., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Zhao, Feng, Wang, Wei, Tan, Li, Hu, Wang, Chen, Gao, Wei, Wang, Gao, Jiang, Zhou, Li, Wang, Pang and Yu.)

Background: TNM staging is the main reference standard for prognostic prediction of colorectal cancer (CRC), but the prognosis heterogeneity of patients with the same stage is still large. This study aimed to classify the tumor microenvironment of patients with stage III CRC and quantify the classified tumor tissues based on deep learning to explore the prognostic value of the developed tumor risk signature (TRS)., Methods: A tissue classification model was developed to identify nine tissues (adipose, background, debris, lymphocytes, mucus, smooth muscle, normal mucosa, stroma, and tumor) in whole-slide images (WSIs) of stage III CRC patients. This model was used to extract tumor tissues from WSIs of 265 stage III CRC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas and 70 stage III CRC patients from the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. We used three different deep learning models for tumor feature extraction and applied a Cox model to establish the TRS. Survival analysis was conducted to explore the prognostic performance of TRS., Results: The tissue classification model achieved 94.4 % accuracy in identifying nine tissue types. The TRS showed a Harrell's concordance index of 0.736, 0.716, and 0.711 in the internal training, internal validation, and external validation sets. Survival analysis showed that TRS had significant predictive ability (hazard ratio: 3.632, p = 0.03) for prognostic prediction., Conclusion: The TRS is an independent and significant prognostic factor for PFS of stage III CRC patients and it contributes to risk stratification of patients with different clinical stages., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 Elsevier Ltd, BASO ∼ The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved.)