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The "whitewater zone" represents a critical maritime feature intimately tied to ship identification and stealth capabilities. In this study, the large eddy simulation method is employed to analyze wake fields under varying operational conditions, and the influence of propeller turbulence and bubble wakes on the "whitewater zone" is investigated in conjunction with a self-built optical testing platform. The results indicate that an increase in propeller speed serves to stabilize the vortex structure but also results in a unimodal signal waveform. Moreover, the behavior of bubbles exerts a significant impact on the flow field structure. The coalescence and division of large bubbles play a primary role in altering the flow field structure of the "whitewater zone," consequently accelerating the mixing and diffusion of the "whitewater." The smaller bubbles exhibit prolonged retention times and a broader disturbance area within the surrounding flow field. The research conclusion has certain reference significance for the future development of ocean exploration technology. • An optical test platform for identifying the "whitewater area" is constructed. • Details on the "whitewater area" flow field characteristics is elucidated. • The effect of the "whitewater area" on the laser transmission signal is examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a novel imaging modality that has been widely utilized in ophthalmology and neuroscience studies to observe retinal vessels and microvascular systems. However, publicly available OCTA datasets remain scarce. In this paper, we introduce the largest and most comprehensive OCTA dataset dubbed OCTA-500, which contains OCTA imaging under two fields of view (FOVs) from 500 subjects. The dataset provides rich images and annotations including two modalities (OCT/OCTA volumes), six types of projections, four types of text labels (age/gender/eye/disease) and seven types of segmentation labels (large vessel/capillary/artery/vein/2D FAZ/3D FAZ/retinal layers). Then, we propose a multi-object segmentation task called CAVF, which integrates capillary segmentation, artery segmentation, vein segmentation, and FAZ segmentation under a unified framework. In addition, we optimize the 3D-to-2D image projection network (IPN) to IPN-V2 to serve as one of the segmentation baselines. Experimental results demonstrate that IPN-V2 achieves an about 10% mIoU improvement over IPN on CAVF task. Finally, we further study the impact of several dataset characteristics: the training set size, the model input (OCT/OCTA, 3D volume/2D projection), the baseline networks, and the diseases. The dataset and code are publicly available at: https://ieee-dataport.org/open-access/octa-500. • Proposed OCTA-500, which is the largest and comprehensive OCTA dataset. • The OCTA-500 includes OCTA imaging from 500 subjects and rich annotation information. • Proposed a CAVF task, which integrates multiple key segmentation tasks. • Optimized the IPN to IPN-V2 to serve as one of the competitive baselines. • The OCTA-500 dataset has great potential to promote other researches in OCTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reservoir serves as a water source, a flood control structure, a navigational aid, and also impacts the downstream ecosystem as well as the reservoir zone. However, debate exists about effectiveness of cascade reservoirs in controlling the transportation of nutrients, particularly in the Yangtze River basin, which has been significantly affected by reservoir development. This research develops a new model X-NPSEM (X with Nitrogen and Phosphorus Steady-state Reservoir Model) based on biogeochemical processes of nitrogen and phosphorus reaction for investigating the dynamic storage capacity of cascade reservoirs at both reservoir- and watershed scales. Then the cumulative effects of cascade reservoirs and the related mechanism were investigated in Fujiang watershed, China. Based on the results, cascade reservoirs retained 16.3 % of nitrogen fluxes and 37.6 % of phosphorus fluxes annually. Downstream reservoirs have higher retention rates of phosphorus (0.48/d) compared to upstream reservoirs (0.10/d), mainly due to inflow sediment. Nitrogen retention rates show seasonal variations: wet season (0.21/d) and dry season (0.17/d). These fluctuations in nitrogen retention are primarily influenced by changes in temperature rather than other factors such as operation period, nitrogen and phosphorus concentration, or the nitrogen/phosphorus ratio. In upstream, the concentration of sediment entering the reservoir plays a decisive role in the transformation of P retention from sink to source. The X-NPSRM coupler model could be used for global reservoir operation and watershed management. • New model was developed and could be with other models for simulating reservoir processes. • Cumulative effects of cascade reservoirs were quantified with higher downstream retention rates. • It was found that nitrogen retention rate in reservoir is higher in wet season than dry season. • A transition of phosphorus from being a sink to becoming a source exists in reservoir region. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burst release of antibacterial agents generated by the surface antibacterial modification of Ti implants frequently results in a reduction in their biocompatibility and substantial toxic side effects. In this study, core-shelled nanoparticles namely AgNR@MSN, were synthesized successfully by mesoporous silica shell in-situ encapsulated Ag nanorods, and then co-deposited with chitosan to form a AgNR@MSN-chitosan composite coating on Ti substrate by electrophoretic deposition. The developed composite coating, due to the presence of AgNR, presented excellent photothermal effect under the irradiation of an 808 nm near-infrared laser, leading to both rapid increase of local temperature and triggered release of Ag ions for bacterial-killing effect against both E. coli and S. aureus. The addition of AgNR@MSN also improved the wettability of the coating and the MSN shell with mesoporous tunnels could barrier the contact and release rate of Ag to improve the biocompatibility. The developed photothermal responsive coating could be considered as a promising platform for achieving controlled release of Ag ions with outstanding antibacterial and biocompatible properties. AgNR was synthesized firstly by coating Ag on the surface of Au bipyramids. And the core-shell structured AgNR@MSN was synthesized then by sol-gel coating of shell MSN on the surface of AgNR. After that, the production of a composite coating on Ti substrates was then carried out via EPD as using the blend of AgNR@MSN and chitosan. The AgNR@MSN-chitosan composite coatings exhibited immediate silver release and local photothermal effect under NIR irradiation, which contributed to excellent antibacterial property, and simultaneously balanced biocompatibility. [Display omitted] • Core-shell structured AgNR@MSN was synthesized by a two-step process. • AgNR@MSN-chitosan composite coatings were co-deposited on titanium by electrophoretic deposition. • The composite coating exhibited NIR-triggered silver ion release and local temperature increase. • Balanced antibacterial and biocompatible properties of the composite coating were achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Facile antigen/adjuvant co-loaded nanovaccine made by convenient green preparation. • The immunological activity of the antigen and adjuvant was maximally preserved. • The minimalist nanovaccine had excellent stability and antitumor immune activation. • Nanovaccine combined with PD-1 antibody synergistically enhanced therapy outcome. • Good practicability for expanding clinical translation and personalized therapy. Tumor vaccine has been a research boom for cancer immunotherapy, while its therapeutic outcome is severely depressed by the vulnerable in vivo delivery efficiency. Moreover, tumor immune escape is also another intractable issue, which has badly whittled down the therapeutic efficiency. Our study aims to solve the above dilemmas by cooperating minimalist nanovaccine with PD-1 blockade for effective and feasible cancer immunotherapy. The minimalist antigen and adjuvant co-delivery nanovaccine was developed by employing natural polycationic protamine (PRT) to carry the electronegative ovalbumin (OVA) antigen and unmethylated Cytosine-phosphorothioate-Guanine (CpG) adjuvant via convenient chemical bench-free "green" preparation without chemical-synthesis and no organic solvent was required, which could preserve the immunological activities of the antigens and adjuvants. On that basis, PD-1 antibody (aPD-1) was utilized to block the tumor immune escape and cooperate with the nanovaccine by maintaining the tumoricidal-activity of the vaccine-induced T cells. Benefited from the polycationic PRT, the facile PRT/CpG/OVA nanovaccine displayed satisfactory delivery performance, involving enhanced cellular uptake in dendritic cells (DCs), realizable endosomal escape and promoted stimulation for DCs' maturation. These features would be helpful for the antitumor immunotherapeutic efficiency of the nanovaccine. Furthermore, the cooperation of the nanovaccine with aPD-1 synergistically improved the immunotherapy outcome, profiting by the cooperation of the "T cell induction" competency of the nanovaccine and the "T cell maintenance" function of the aPD-1. This study will provide new concepts for the design and construction of facile nanovaccines, and contribute valuable scientific basis for cancer immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. China, Europe and northern America account for more than half of the new CRC cases and associated deaths globally. This review summarizes the current status and temporal trends of CRC in China, Europe, and northern America. The potential primary preventive strategies and latest advances in CRC screening techniques and programs are discussed. Recently, the incidence and mortality of CRC in some European and northern American countries have decreased; conversely, CRC incidence and mortality continue to increase in China. The overall 5-year relative survival rate for CRC is similar between these regions, but there is considerable heterogeneity among European countries. Implementing population-based CRC screening programs can effectively address the growing disease burden. The effectiveness of nationwide CRC screening programs in these regions has been limited by relatively low coverage and participation rate. The deployment of state-of-the-art techniques and precise risk-adapted screening strategies incorporating effective risk prediction models and screening techniques may boost screening effectiveness. Our review provides novel foundations for the development and optimization of CRC preventive strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancer is a malignancy with poor prognosis and high mortality. The recent increase in pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality has resulted in an increased number of studies on its epidemiology. This comprehensive and systematic literature review summarizes the advances in the epidemiology of pancreatic cancer, including its epidemiological trends, risk factors, risk prediction models, screening modalities, and prognosis. The risk factors for pancreatic cancers can be categorized as those related to individual characteristics, lifestyle and environment, and disease status. Several prediction models for pancreatic cancer have been developed in populations with new-onset diabetes or a family history of pancreatic cancer; however, these models require further validation. Despite recent progress in pancreatic cancer screening, the quantity and quality of related studies are also unsatisfactory, especially with respect to the identification of high-risk populations and development of effective screening modality. Apart from the populations with familial genetic risk and those at a high risk of sporadic pancreatic cancer, risk factors such as new-onset diabetes may be a new direction for timely intervention. We hope this work will provide new ideas for further prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Subtropical coastal reservoirs are atmospheric CO 2 sources with strong spatiotemporal variations. • Much higher CO 2 concentrations and fluxes from waters adjacent to urban areas. • Exogenous carbon input from sewage is the important driver of CO 2 spatial variation. • Primary production, temperature and precipitation account for the seasonal variation in CO 2 fluxes. Carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions from aquatic ecosystems are important components of the global carbon cycle, yet the CO 2 emissions from coastal reservoirs, especially in developing countries where urbanization and rapid land use change occur, are still poorly understood. In this study, the spatiotemporal variations in CO 2 concentrations and fluxes were investigated in Wenwusha Reservoir located in the southeast coast of China. Overall, the mean CO 2 concentration and flux across the whole reservoir were 41.85 ± 2.03 µmol/L and 2.87 ± 0.29 mmol/m2/h, respectively, and the reservoir was a consistent net CO 2 source over the entire year. The land use types and urbanization levels in the reservoir catchment significantly affected the input of exogenous carbon to water. The mean CO 2 flux was much higher from waters adjacent to the urban land (5.05 ± 0.87 mmol/m2/hr) than other land use types. Sites with larger input of exogenous substance via sewage discharge and upstream runoff were often the hotspots of CO 2 emission in the reservoir. Our results suggested that urbanization process, agricultural activities, and large input of exogenous carbon could result in large spatial heterogeneity of CO 2 emissions and alter the CO 2 biogeochemical cycling in coastal reservoirs. Further studies should characterize the diurnal variations, microbial mechanisms, and impact of meteorological conditions on reservoir CO 2 emissions to expand our understanding of the carbon cycle in aquatic ecosystems. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Desensitization of the µ-opioid receptor (MOR) has been implicated as an important regulatory process in the development of tolerance to opiates. Monitoring the release of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), we reported that [D-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4, Gly5-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO)-induced receptor desensitization requires receptor phosphorylation and recruitment of β-arrestins (βArrs), while morphine-induced receptor desensitization does not. In current studies, we established that morphine-induced MOR desensitization is protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent. By using RNA interference techniques and subtype specific inhibitors, PKCε was shown to be the PKC subtype activated by morphine and the subtype responsible for morphine-induced desensitization. In contrast, DAMGO did not increase PKCε activity and DAMGO-induced MOR desensitization was not affected by modulating PKCε activity. Among the various proteins within the receptor signaling complex, Gαi2 was phosphorylated by morphine-activated PKCε. Moreover, mutating three putative PKC phosphorylation sites, Ser44, Ser144 and Ser302 on Gαi2 to Ala attenuated morphine-induced, but not DAMGO-induced desensitization. In addition, pretreatment with morphine desensitized cannabinoid receptor CB1 agonist WIN 55212-2-induced [Ca2+]i release, and this desensitization could be reversed by pretreating the cells with PKCε inhibitor or overexpressing Gαi2 with the putative PKC phosphorylation sites mutated. Thus, depending on the agonist, activation of MOR could lead to heterologous desensitization and probable crosstalk between MOR and other Gαi-coupled receptors, such as the CB1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: This study examined health and social support as mediators of the association between driving cessation and 10-year mortality among older men and older women. Method: Data were drawn from a prospective panel survey of 1000 community-dwelling older adults with follow-ups over a 10-year period. Extended Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate the relative risk of driving cessation on mortality. Results: Mortality risk was 1.36 (CI = [1.06, 1.73]) times higher for nondrivers than drivers. This relationship was significantly mediated by health status in the overall sample. Physical health and cognitive health fully mediated the association between driving cessation and mortality among older men, whereas the mediation effects were partial among older women. Discussion: Gender differences in driving patterns may account for the differential mediation effects in the association between driving cessation and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar steam generation (SSG) has emerged as one of renewable and environmentally friendly technologies for production of fresh water. Here, we demonstrate the preparation of a novel oil-repellent photothermal materials based on copper foam (CF) for efficient SSG. Only by a simple chemical oxidation treatment on CF (named as R–CF), the smooth CF skeleton changes to be rough, leading to an enhanced light absorption of up to 90% which is far higher than that of untreated CF (10–70%). By combination of its high porosity (89.6%) and high specific surface area (230 m2 g−1), the R–CF shows superior ability on SSG as well as salt-resistance, i.e., its evaporation efficiency in water and high saline solution reaches 85.25% and 70.19% under 1 kW m−2 irradiation, respectively. In addition, R–CF was further treated by a surface chemical modification to achieve hydrophilicity while oil-repellent wettability (named as OR-R-CF), enabling it solar vaporization even in oily water, e.g., an evaporation efficiency of 77.0% was obtained in oily water, which is great advantageous to those existing photothermal materials usually suffer the drawbacks of poor oil-repellent or anti-fouling property and thus shows significant potentials for practical SSG applications in both seawater and oily water. We propose a facile method of surface-modified foamed copper to prepare oil-repellent photothermal materials (OR-R-CF). Taking advantage of its excellent light absorption, macroporous structure and connected water channels, OR-R-CF material exhibits excellent solar evaporation performance and oil-repellent. This work provides great potential for practical applications in seawater and oily wastewater. [Display omitted] • R–CF has high light absorption, good thermal stability and an open pore structure. • Evaporation efficiency of R–CF in water and high saline solution reaches 85.25% and 70.19% under 1 kW m−2 irradiation, respectively. • OR-R-CF has unique oil-repellent characteristics, and its evaporation efficiencyof 77.0% was obtained in oily water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer is one of the main malignant tumors that threaten the lives of women, which has received more and more clinical attention worldwide. There are increasing evidences showing that the immune micro-environment of breast cancer (BC) seriously affects the clinical outcome. This study aims to explore the role of tumor immune genes in the prognosis of BC patients and construct an immune-related genes prognostic index.Methods: The list of 2498 immune genes was obtained from ImmPort database. In addition, gene expression data and clinical characteristics data of BC patients were also obtained from the TCGA database. The prognostic correlation of the differential genes was analyzed through Survival package. Cox regression analysis was performed to analyze the prognostic effect of immune genes. According to the regression coefficients of prognostic immune genes in regression analysis, an immune risk scores model was established. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to probe the biological correlation of immune gene scores. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results: In total, 556 immune genes were differentially expressed between normal tissues and BC tissues (p < 0. 05). According to the univariate cox regression analysis, a total of 66 immune genes were statistically significant for survival risk, of which 30 were associated with overall survival (P < 0.05). Finally, a 15 immune genes risk scores model was established. All patients were divided into high- and low-groups. KM survival analysis revealed that high immune risk scores represented worse survival (p < 0.001). ROC curve indicated that the immune genes risk scores model had a good reliability in predicting prognosis (5-year OS, AUC = 0.752). The established risk model showed splendid AUC value in the validation dataset (3-year over survival (OS) AUC = 0.685, 5-year OS AUC = 0.717, P = 0.00048). Moreover, the immune risk signature was proved to be an independent prognostic factor for BC patients. Finally, it was found that 15 immune genes and risk scores had significant clinical correlations, and were involved in a variety of carcinogenic pathways.Conclusion: In conclusion, our study provides a new perspective for the expression of immune genes in BC. The constructed model has potential value for the prognostic prediction of BC patients and may provide some references for the clinical precision immunotherapy of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of autonomous vehicles (AVs) has complicated traffic flow and raised safety concerns, there is a pressing need to enhance traffic efficiency alongside ensuring robust safety. This paper proposes a dynamic longitudinal control strategy for AVs, based on real-time accident risk assessments. Data from traffic flow, road characteristics, and weather conditions are analyzed using a random forest algorithm, producing a real-time accident risk identification model through a support vector machine. In addition, the Perceived Risk Field Model (PRFM), a car-following model calibrated using the NGSIM dataset, considers vehicle distance, velocity, relative velocity, and acceleration. These models underpin our proposed longitudinal control strategies, tailored to variable accident risk levels. Under the normal risk control strategy, the PRFM outperforms the Intelligent Driver Model (IDM) and the Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control Model (CACC) in stability and driving comfort. For high accident risk scenarios, our approach shows improved collision avoidance and traffic oscillation mitigation. Simulations indicate that the high accident risk control strategy offers better safety and stability than the normal risk strategy. Furthermore, traffic flow diagrams suggest an increase in road capacity as AV penetration rates rise, pointing to the promising efficiency of our proposed solution. This research provides a robust framework for AV operation, ensuring optimal traffic safety and efficiency. • A real-time accident risk identification model tailored for AVs using machine learning with high predictive accuracy. • Development of a car-following model based on safety potential field and validation using real-world datasets. • Adaptive longitudinal control strategies for AVs, capable of adjusting car-following spacing based on real-time risk. • Framework with risk identification, behavior modeling, and control strategy, providing an integrated approach to AV safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The influence of doping of trace Sm element on ferrite magnetism was studied. • Ferrite was prepared by solid phase sintering combined with high energy ball milling. • The atomic occupancy of Sm element was obtained by XRD refinement. The primary objective of this study is to enhance the overall magnetic properties of pure barium ferrite through the addition of trace amounts of the light rare earth element Sm. This approach is more cost-effective compared to using heavy rare earth elements. The M-shaped barium ferrite, denoted as Ba 1− x Sm x Fe 12 O 19 , was synthesized using a combination of solid-phase sintering method and high-energy ball milling. The high purity of samples was confirmed by determining their crystal structure using XRD. The internal structure of samples was examined using FTIR, and it was observed that the samples contained tetrahedral and octahedral clusters with corresponding bands at 599 cm−1 and 445 cm−1, respectively. The appearance of samples was examined using FESEM, and it was found that grains had hexagonal structures. EDS was used to characterize the elemental content of samples, and it was found that the content of Ba decreased with an increase in the content of Sm. The magnetic properties of samples were examined using VSM, and the coercivity reached a maximum value of 3096.22 Oe at a dopant fraction of 0.06, and the saturation magnetization reached a maximum value of 73.115 emu/g. The synthesized material has the potential for utilization in magnetic recording applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stability of geological environment in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA) has experienced severe challenges due to the 30 m hydro-fluctuation belt (HFB). The vertical dissolution features vary with the mechanism of water and rock interaction. Although dissolution features have been adequately explained by physical and mechanical parameters, the characterization of chemical changes in dissolution is vital but frequently neglected information. For this purpose, the hyperspectral characteristics and mineralogical composition variation of rock HFB in different areas of the Triassic Daye Formation are tested to elucidate the dissolution behaviors. Then, the deterioration degree of dissolution is quantified by a multi-objective data integration based on Random Forest Regression (RFR) model. The spatial distribution of dissolution and the seasonal deterioration characteristics are identified depending on the spectral response of carbonate. Specifically, the dissolution degree is proportional to elevation, and inverse to the bedding angle at 0–40° in the investigated stratum. Combined with the hydrological characteristics of study area, the corresponding regional phenomena can be distinguished as reservoir water dominated, rainfall dominated, and coupled action. Affected by reservoir water and acid rainfall, the HFB may deteriorate most severely from January to April. In addition, the contribution of RFR model integrated spectral and geometric data to the deterioration evaluation of the HFB is discussed, which can effectively enhance the identification of rock mass boundary in a single spectral data model. Thus, these results are conducive to the rapid evaluation of regional geomorphological characteristics and the monitoring of geological disasters in the TGRA. • Dissolution of hydro-fluctuation belt is characterized by hyperspectral response. • Reservoir level and rainfall have different effects on carbonate rock dissolution. • Deterioration mechanism of rock with seasonal hydrological feature is revealed. • A rock deterioration evaluation model based on spectra and geometry is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise prediction of mixed oil length is a critical task in the multi-product pipeline. Current predictive models may not achieve desirable performance as they neglected the multimode characteristics of the data, which has been alleviated by using the finite mixture model (FMM) to identify the different modes and develop localized predictive models while it faces the challenge of assigning a suitable number of components. Variational Bayesian Gaussian mixture regression model (VBGMR) may remedy these deficiencies but the linear assumption between variables can result in unsatisfactory performance, and it may also not handle the model selection well since all input variables are forced to participate in the mode identification process, even if some are not important. To address such issues, this article proposes a new modeling approach named as the Knowledge-informed Variational Bayesian Gaussian mixture regression model (KIVBGMR) by incorporating the conventional VBGMR with the guidance of the domain knowledge. Subsequently, the learning procedure for the KIVBGMR based on the Variational Inference method is developed. The performance of the KIVBGMR modeling method is evaluated based on two case studies including a numerical example and a real-life industrial dataset, which demonstrates the performance superiority of the proposed method. • A novel VBGMR-based for predicting the mixed oil length is proposed. • Variables for mode identification are selected guided by the domain knowledge. • Based on the domain equation, two nonlinear formulations of the functional relationship are developed. • Prior knowledge related to the regression coefficient is employed in the proposed model. • Superiority of the proposed model is evidenced both in numerical example and real-life industrial dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) has become the standard treatment for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). However, 20–40% of patients with LARC show little to no response to nCRT. Thus, comprehensively understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME), which might influence therapeutic efficacy, and identifying robust predictive biomarkers is urgently needed. Pre-treatment tumor biopsy specimens from patients with LARC were evaluated in detail through digital spatial profiling (DSP), public RNA sequencing datasets, and multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF). DSP analysis revealed distinct characteristics of the tumor stroma compared to the normal stroma and tumor compartments. We identified high levels of human leukocyte antigen-DR/major histocompatibility complex class II (HLA-DR/MHC-II) in the tumor compartment and B cells in the stroma as potential spatial predictors of nCRT efficacy in the Discovery cohort. Public datasets validated their predictive capacity for clinical outcomes. Using mIF in an independent nCRT cohort and/or the total cohort, we validated that a high density of HLA-DR/MHC-II+ cells in the tumor and CD20 + B cells in the stroma was associated with nCRT efficacy (all p ≤ 0.021). Spatial profiling successfully characterized the LARC TME and identified robust biomarkers with the potential to accurately predict nCRT response. These findings have important implications for individualized therapy. [Display omitted] • Utilizing DSP, the TME of LARC is characterized. • HLA-DR/MHC-II upregulation in the tumor compartment is significantly associated with improved response to nCRT in LARC. • A high density of B cells in stromal regions predicts nCRT efficacy, strengthening the relevance of B cells in LARC. • HLA-DR genes and B cells are found to be associated with favorable clinical outcomes in LARC public datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene expression in bacteria is regulated by multiple transcription factors. Clarifying the regulation mechanism of gene expression is necessary to understand bacterial physiological activities. To further understand the structure of the transcriptional regulatory network of Corynebacterium glutamicum , we applied independent component analysis, an unsupervised machine learning algorithm, to the high-quality C. glutamicum gene expression profile which includes 263 samples from 29 independent projects. We obtained 87 robust independent regulatory modules (iModulons). These iModulons explain 76.7% of the variance in the expression profile and constitute the quantitative transcriptional regulatory network of C. glutamicum. By analyzing the constituent genes in iModulons, we identified potential targets for 20 transcription factors. We also captured the changes in iModulon activities under different growth rates and dissolved oxygen concentrations, demonstrating the ability of iModulons to comprehensively interpret transcriptional responses to environmental changes. In summary, this study provides a genome-scale quantitative transcriptional regulatory network for C. glutamicum and informs future research on complex changes in the transcriptome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The rod-like MnO 2 catalyst modified by Co-Ce oxide were controllable synthesized. • The doping amount of Co influenced the enhancement of catalytic performance. • The prepared catalyst exhibited long-term stability and excellent SO 2 tolerance. • The addition of Co prevented the active sites from being poisoned by SO 2. The Co was firstly used as a dopant to improve the NO and Hg0 removal performance of CeO 2 loaded rod-like MnO 2 catalyst (Ce/MnO 2) and its SO 2 resistance. The results showed the doping process effectively improved the relative concentrations of chemisorbed oxygen as well as the contents of surface Ce4+ and Mn4+, enhanced the redox ability of catalyst, which was conducive to the simultaneous removal performance of NO and Hg0 in flue gas. The Co-Ce/MnO 2 catalyst (the mole ratio of Co/Ce = 1.0) had optimal catalytic performance among all prepared catalysts in 160–280 °C, its NO and Hg0 removal efficiencies achieved 99.9% and 91.9% at 200 °C and 10,000 h−1, respectively. In addition, the Co-Ce/MnO 2 performed stronger resistance to SO 2 in comparison with Ce/MnO 2 , its catalytic activities decreased slightly when SO 2 with a concentration of 500 ppm was added into the gas stream, and then recovered close to the initial value after eliminating of SO 2. We considered the excellent SO 2 tolerance performance of Co-Ce/MnO 2 catalyst is assigned to the fact that the Co-modification restrained the sulfation of CeO 2 and MnO 2 to CeSO 4 and MnSO 4 , alleviated the decreasing of chemisorbed oxygen, and hindered the chemisorption of SO 2 on the catalyst. This work provided a promising prospect of Co-modification on Ce/MnO 2 as SO 2 resistant catalysts for simultaneous removal of NO and Hg0 from flue gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a kind of cadmium sulfide (CdS)/sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) composite via in situ for the first time. It is a new type of nanocomposite possessing outstanding fluorescence property and thermostability. The SPEEK has the sulfonic radical side group and the degree of the sulfonation is 0.88. With the SPEEK dissolving in the N, N -dimethylformamide, cadmium acetate dihydrate (cadmium (Cd) source) was added to make the precursor for the reaction and then the thiourea (sulfur (S) source) was injected. We also investigated the effects of reaction time, the ratio of Cd/S, and the ratio of Cd/–SO3H. The ultraviolet–visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize the property of the nanocomposite. The high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) was used to characterize the morphological of the composite. As the reaction time increases, the photoluminescence intensity declined and the fluorescence peak redshifted. When the reaction time was 1 min, the ratio of Cd/S was 1:2 and the ratio of Cd/–SO3H was 1:5, and the fluorescence properties of the nanocomposites were the best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heart failure (HF) is one of the most common causes of cardiovascular diseases in the world. Currently, the drugs used to treat HF in the clinic may cause serious side effects. Liguzinediol, 2, 5-dimethyl-3, 6-dimethyl-pyrazine, is a compound synthesized after the structural modification of ligustrazine (one active ingredient of Szechwan Lovage Rhizome). We aimed to observe the effects of liguzinediol on preventing HF and explore the related mechanisms. Methods: The ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery was operated to established the myocardial infarction (MI) model in Sprague–Dawley rats. Cardiac functions were recorded by echocardiography and hemodynamics. The changes in the Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System (RAAS), inflammation, and oxidative stress were detected by radioimmunoassay and Elisa kits. Western blot and real-time PCR were applied to determine the expressions of the TGF-β1/Smads pathway. Results: Firstly, liguzinediol enhanced the systolic and diastolic functions of the heart in MI rats. Liguzinediol improved ventricular remodeling by reducing myocardial cell necrosis, as well as reducing collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis. Then, liguzinediol suppressed the activation of RAAS, inhibited the synthesis of pro-inflammation factors, and reduced oxidative stress. In the end, liguzinediol also down-regulated the expressions of the TGF-β1/Smads pathway. Conclusions: Liguzinediol could alleviate HF caused by MI in rats, and the protective effect was associated with the regulation of the TGF-β1/Smads pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regeneration remains a major challenge in skeletal muscle repair after injury. Recently, transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β)/Smad pathway was found to play an important role in inhibiting myogenesis, a crucial stage in skeletal muscle regeneration. In our previous study, microRNA‐122‐5p (miR‐122) was proved to have the function of downregulating TGF‐β/Smad pathway. Theoretically, miR‐122 might also be involved in the process of skeletal muscle myogenesis through the regulation of TGF‐β/Smad pathway. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of miR‐122 on skeletal muscle myogenesis and explore its underlying mechanism. Results showed that miR‐122 and myogenic markers were downregulated in C2C12 cells after TGF‐β stimulation, and miR‐122 overexpression could restore the myogenesis inhibited by TGF‐β. We then located TGFBR2 as the direct target of miR‐122 and discovered the effect of miR‐122 overexpression could be rescued by TGFBR2 overexpression. Further, the downstream molecules of TGFBR2 in the TGF‐β/Smad pathway were found to be suppressed by miR‐122. In conclusion, miR‐122 could suppress the TGF‐β/Smad signalling pathway by directly targeting TGFBR2 and, consequently, restore myogenesis. Significance of the study: Regeneration remains a major challenge in skeletal muscle repair after injury. In this study, it was found that miR‐122 could suppress the TGF‐β/Smad signalling pathway by directly targeting TGFBR2 and, consequently, restore myogenesis. Our findings could inspire future experiments on the role of miRs in skeletal muscle diseases and future translational studies on potential novel gene therapy for skeletal muscle injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: After a rotator cuff (RC) is repaired, its signal intensity (SI) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gradually changes to normal and could reflect the degree of RC healing. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how long it takes for SI to recover to normal and whether the SI progression correlates with clinical outcomes after RC repair (RCR). Purpose: To serially evaluate the SIs of the repaired RC tendon on MRI and the postoperative clinical outcomes and then analyze the correlation between them. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This study prospectively included 25 patients who underwent arthroscopic RCR with the suture-bridge technique between June 2016 and July 2017. Twenty-three patients accepted full follow-ups at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Before surgery and at each follow-up, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and 4 functional scores were evaluated: Constant-Murley score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder evaluation form, modified University of California at Los Angeles score, and Fudan University shoulder score. The patients underwent MRI examinations at every follow-up. The values of the signal/noise quotient at the distal (SNQd) and proximal (SNQp) areas were calculated to evaluate the SI of the repaired tendon. The correlations of clinical outcomes with SNQd and SNQp values were analyzed, and subgroup analyses were performed. Results: Overall, the mean postoperative VAS score significantly decreased at postoperative 1 month (P <.001), and the functional scores were all significantly higher than the preoperative values at 6 months (all P <.001). SNQd and SNQp values were both significantly higher than normal at 1 and 3 months (all P <.001) and reduced to normal after 9 and 6 months, respectively. Correlation analyses showed that the SNQp value significantly correlated with VAS score (positive) and all functional scores (negative) at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Further comparison indicated that the patients with VAS score >3 had higher SNQp values than patients with VAS score ≤3 at 1 and 3 months postoperatively (both P =.01). Conclusion: After RCR with the suture-bridge technique, it took longer for SI to become relatively normal than it did to have a significant clinical improvement. Early after surgery (1-3 months), worse clinical outcome correlated with higher SI on proximal cuff tendon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining triphenylamine (TPA) and 2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl) aniline (BI), a typical fluorescent dye, TPA-BI, was designed and synthesized. The photo-physical properties of this compound were investigated both in solution and the solid state. TPA-BI showed a strong AIEE effect and its relative fluorescence quantum yield (Φf) was up to 63.4% in the aggregation state. The tunable fluorescence phenomenon by the MCF effect was observed between the amorphous (bluish violet) and crystalline (green) states, and the absolute Φf was determined to be 56.2% and 21.9%, respectively, by the integral sphere method. Meanwhile, pH titration experiments exhibited the tunable fluorescence phenomenon in different pH solutions. Thus, TPA-BI could also be used as a fluorescent switch from green to bluish-violet based on its response to volatile acidic and alkaline organic compounds in the solid state repeatedly without fatigue and destruction under UV illumination (365 nm), which can be explained by the reversible transformation by protonation and deprotonation. The protonation process was further confirmed in detail by 1HNMR titration experiments. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) were used to predict the multi-stimuli responsive fluorescence properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Enhanced dynamic Forward Collision Warning (FCW) model tailored for hazmat truck drivers with varying driving characteristics and risk levels. • Multi-objective optimization method employed to determine the optimal warning time considering real-time driving risk, driver acceptance, and driving comfort. • Differentiation in optimal warning times for driver categories under mid-level and low-level risks, while similar warning time for high-level risks. • Development of user profiles based on historical driving records improves driver trust and enhances driving safety with ADAS systems. The risky driving behavior of hazmat truck drivers is a crucial factor in many severe traffic accidents. In-vehicle Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS), integrating vehicle active safety and driver assistance technology, has been installed into hazmat trucks aiming to reduce driving risks during emergencies. This paper presents an enhanced dynamic Forward Collision Warning (FCW) model tailored for hazmat truck drivers with different driving characteristics and risk levels. Our objective is to determine the optimal moment to alert drivers during risky situations. The novelty of our approach lies in analyzing the driver's response mechanism to the warning by considering their characteristics and real-time driving risk levels. We employ a multi-objective optimization method that integrates real-time driving risk, driver acceptance, and driving comfort to calculate the optimal warning time. Our findings indicate that the appropriate warning time is similar for all drivers under high-level risks, while significant differentiation exists for different driver categories under mid-level and low-level risks. Additionally, aggressive drivers tend to follow leading vehicles closely and exhibit lower deceleration intentions when faced with dangers compared to normal and cautious drivers. Our research outcomes enable the development of user profiles for hazmat truck drivers based on extensive historical driving records, facilitating the analysis of driver response differences to FCWs. This enhances driving safety and improves driver trust in ADAS systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ready-to-eat pork-based snacks have gained widespread popularity among consumers. The aim of this study was to investigate the brittleness quality of pork chip snacks (PCS) produced by microwave drying (MD) from the perspective of drying kinetics and microstructural traits. Changing microwave intensity and slice thickness significantly affected the colour and texture quality of the final PCS. The MD process of PCS presented a long heating-up phase and a short hindered drying phase, and the model of Midilli et al. described the drying kinetics well. The hindered drying phase dominated the ripening process and the formation of brittleness quality of PCS, and the temperature above 157.3 °C may cause an undesirable colour appearance. The microstructural characteristics showed that the formation of many large pores in PCS promoted the brittleness quality, while excessive temperature caused the tissue to melt with fewer pores to reduce brittleness. Overall, for fresh pork slices, it is recommended to produce PCS with a thickness of 3.5 mm at 4 W/g for 22 min to achieve a desirable brittleness quality. This study may provide a reference for the production of meat snacks such as PCS. [Display omitted] • A novel brittle pork chip snacks (PCS) was prepared by microwave drying (MD). • The MD of PCS involved a long heating-up phase and a short hindered drying phase. • The model of Midilli et al. described the MD kinetics of PCS well. • The formation of abundant large pores inside the PCS promoted brittleness. • A drying time of 22 min at 4 W/g was recommended for MD production of PCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lawsonia intracellularis (L. intracellularis) is the etiologic agent of porcine proliferative enteropathy (PPE), which is reported in many swine breeding countries all over the world, and has caused enormous economic losses in intensive pig production systems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a simple and rapid method for on-site detection of Lawsonia intracellularis (L. intracellularis). As the isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) can be performed at a constant temperature and its product is directly observed on a lateral-flow dipstick (LFD) with naked eyes without electrophoresis, the RPA-LFD assay should be useful for field diagnosis of L. intracellularis as well as its detection from clinical samples. Results: The established RPA-LFD assay could be finished in 30 min at a wide temperature range of 25 to 40 °C, and the amplicons could be visualized by naked eyes. The developed RPA-LFD assay was specific to dnaA gene of L. intracellularis, and did not detect nucleic acids extracted from other common gastrointestinal pathogens. The minimum detection of this RPA-LFD method was 400 L. intracellularis per reaction, which was as sensitive as conventional PCR. Further, the RPA-LFD assay was performed with 150 clinical fecal samples and the detection results were compared with conventional PCR. Results showed that the coincidence rate of RPA-LFD and conventional PCR was 100%. Conclusions: The combined RPA with LFD assay provides a simple, rapid, specific and sensitive alternative for field diagnosis of L. intracellularis infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a main cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in humans. Several studies have been performed to reveal the prevalence rate of C. difficile in cats and dogs. However, little is known about the epidemiology of C. difficile in healthy pets in China. This study aimed to assess the burden of C. difficile shedding by healthy dogs and cats in China. Furthermore, the genetic diversity and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the recovered isolates were determined.Methods: A total of 175 faecal samples were collected from 146 healthy dogs and 29 cats. C. difficile strains were isolated and identified from the feces of these pets. The characterized C. difficile strains were typed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and the MICs of the isolates were determined against ampicillin, clindamycin, tetracycline, moxifloxacin, chloramphenicol, cefoxitin, metronidazole and vancomycin by the agar dilution method.Results: Overall, 3 faecal samples (1.7%) were C. difficile culture positive. One sample (0.7%) from a dog was C. difficile culture positive, while two cats (7.0%) yielded positive cultures. The prevalence rate differed significantly between cats and dogs. These isolates were typed into 3 MLST genotypes and were susceptible to chloramphenicol, tetracycline, metronidazole and moxifloxacin and resistant to ampicillin, clindamycin and cefoxitin. Notably, one strain, D141-1, which was resistant to three kinds of antibiotics and carried toxin genes, was recovered in the faeces of a healthy dog.Conclusion: Our results suggest that common pets may be a source of pathogenic C. difficile, indicating that household transmission of C. difficile from pets to humans can not be excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-term characteristics of urban land cover change have been observed and reported from satellite images, although urban landscapes are mainly influenced by anthropogenic factors. These short-term changes in urban areas are caused by rapid urbanization, seasonal climate changes, and phenological ecological changes. Quantifying and understanding these short-term characteristics of changes in various land cover types is important for numerous urban studies, such as urbanization assessments and management. Many previous studies mainly investigated one study area with insufficient datasets. To more reliably and confidently investigate temporal variation patterns, this study employed Fourier series to quantify the seasonal changes in different urban land cover types using all available Landsat images over four different cities, Melbourne, Sao Paulo, Hamburg, and Chicago, within a five-year period (2011–2015). The overall accuracy was greater than 86% and the kappa coefficient was greater than 0.80. The R-squared value was greater than 0.80 and the root mean square error was less than 7.2% for each city. The results indicated that (1) the changing periods for water classes were generally from half a year to one and a half years in different areas; and, (2) urban impervious surfaces changed over periods of approximately 700 days in Melbourne, Sao Paulo, and Hamburg, and a period of approximately 215 days in Chicago, which was actually caused by the unavoidable misclassification from confusions between various land cover types using satellite data. Finally, the uncertainties of these quantification results were analyzed and discussed. These short-term characteristics provided important information for the monitoring and assessment of urban areas using satellite remote sensing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Based on the theory of low-carbon economy, this article introduces the theory and method of synergetics and puts forward an interdisciplinary theoretical framework based on the dynamic perspective of complexity science to analyze the evolution principles of regional low-carbon innovation system targeting sustainable development. Earlier studies tended to demonstrate a single variable, such as the role of R & D of low-carbon technologies in improving the output of regional low-carbon innovation systems, ignoring the impacts that interactions among variables may have on systems. Different from the existing literature, we rigorously identify multiple state variables that make up a regional low-carbon innovation system and establish a Logistics equation that describes the relationships among variables. Large quantities of data and simulations are used to make the order parameters, the nonlinear forms and evolution principles of different variables explicit. Our research confirms the impact of changes in government support on regional low-carbon innovation systems, clarifies the evolutionary trends of different state variables and their correlation with each other, and identifies the shortcomings in the evolution of regional low-carbon innovation systems. The results of this study provide the basis for managers to make more targeted policies to promote the evolution of regional low-carbon innovation systems. And the proposed interdisciplinary research framework is also applicable to other fields such as strategic alliances and complex networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by progressive airway inflammation and irreversible airflow limitation, leads to serious decline in life quality. The acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) results in high healthcare costs as well as a significant mortality rate. The most common cause of acute exacerbation is infection. Immune deficiency, which induces dysfunction of anti-infection, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute exacerbation. As described in this review, the immune dysfunction in patients with AECOPD can be a major focus of efforts to therapeutic strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A-IGZO thin-film transistors with 4-nm HfO x gate insulator were developed. • Electrical characteristics of the a-IGZO transistors were investigated. • Interface between a-IGZO and HfO x was improved. • Thinning limitation of HfO x gate insulator was discussed. In recent years, high- k gate dielectrics have attracted increasing attention in amorphous oxide semiconductor (AOS) thin-film transistors (TFTs), due to the urge for stronger gate controllability in advanced applications of high integration density. In this work, the ultra-thin top-gate insulator of atomic-layer-deposited (ALD) HfO x was developed for the amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide (a-IGZO) TFTs. Despite the good electrical characteristics of the 4-nm HfO x -gated a-IGZO transistor, its reliability is considerably poor and ascribed to the abundant interface defects, for example, oxygen vacancies. The interface reaction between HfO x and a-IGZO during the ALD process is clarified to be responsible for such defect generation. To prevent the oxygen-related reaction, the a-IGZO channel is pre-treated using the strong oxidizing plasma, contributing to significantly enhanced electrical stabilities. However, the further thinner HfO x would readily increase the gate leakage current, since the electron can easily tunnel through the ultra-thin HfO x due to the low conduction band offset between HfO x and AOS. The 4-nm ALD HfO x together with the pre-oxidization contributes to the optimal performance and stability of top-gate a-IGZO TFT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• • New framework was proposed for sustainable watershed management. • • The balance of environment and economy would improve the effect and reliability. • • Spatial heterogeneity and investment are key limitation for pollution control. • • Different protection strategies are suggested for urban and agricultural catchment. Balancing clean water and economic growth remains challenge to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) issued by the United Nations. In this study, the water quality impacts and cost-effectiveness analysis of catchment actions were integrated by a new proposed watershed management framework (WAM-SDGs). The source appointment and control practices were incorporated based on physical-based model and heuristic algorithm. The tradeoffs between different targets were balanced using multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) and Pareto score approaches. The method was tested in two paired catchments including typical urban and agricultural catchments in China. The results indicated that 1) the cost-effectiveness and reliability of catchment action was improved by 4% and 3.3% compare to traditional methods. 2) The restriction of urban pollution is mainly attributable to strong spatial heterogeneity, while that of agricultural pollution control is attributed to lack of investment. 3) For water quality improvement, sources and sinks of pollutants are quantified and used as priority areas for catchment action. Due to high pollution intensity and control reliability, urban catchments should be given priority and agricultural catchments are more cost-effectiveness when fund is no longer a limiting factor. The economic-based and water-quality-based protection strategies are suggested for urban and agricultural catchment, respectively. This new framework could be extended to other catchments for global sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A durable conducting polymer electrodes with low impedance, antifouling, and electrochemical stress tolerance could be fabricated by electro-depositing zwitterionic PEDOT on ITO, Au, and stainless steel substrates, where the cohesion and interfacial adhesion of PEDOTs are significantly strengthened by dopamine moieties. We envision it could address synchronously the nonspecific interaction and the physical failure issues of conducting polymer bioelectrodes. [Display omitted] • Features low impedance, antifouling, and electrochemical stability. • Significantly strengthened cohesion and interfacial adhesion. • DOPA dramatically enhances the charge injection capability of zwitterionic PEDOT. • Synchronously address the specific interaction and physical failure issues. Conducting polymers are emerging as a very attractive type of electro-materials for bioelectronic devices, owing to their low impedance, high charge injection limit, and small modulus. However, the efforts to create stable and long-lasting conducting polymer electrodes are challenged by biofouling and the physical failure of electrodes. Here, we develop a durable conducting polymer electrode based on EDOT copolymers expressing zwitterionic phosphorylcholine and DOPA moieties, which enable low impedance communication, excellent protein/cell resistance, and long-term stable operation. This antifouling conducting PEDOT electrode shows much enhanced interfacial adhesion with substrates and cohesion in water than all the other tested PEDOT conducting polymers. Its wet lap shear strength with substrates is three times higher than the pristine PEDOT; it can tolerate 20 h of sonication treatment in water, while the three control PEDOT electrodes all start to collapse within minutes. We further find that the antifouling PEDOT can tightly integrate with diverse substrates (Au, ITO, and stainless steel); this strengthening approach works effectively for all the tested three hydrophilic PEDOTs. We finally demonstrate the robustness of the antifouling PEDOT on a homemade electrode array with a not compromised impedance after being electrically stimulated in the physiological environment for 24 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing three-dimensional microstructure with special morphology is an important method to improve the flexibility, low density and high performance of absorbing materials. Herein, Ni 3 ZnC 0.7 /carbon nanotubes/melamine sponge hollow carbon (NZC/CNTs/SHC) composites were prepared by vacuum filtrating precursor containing NiZn ions and CNTs followed with calcining under N 2 flow. The loading of NZC/CNTs can be tuned by controlling the filtrating time of 0.5, 1 and 2 h. The Ni 3 ZnC 0.7 and CNTs were uniformly dispersed on the surface of melamine sponge carbon skeleton and the carbon shows hollow structure. The 2-NZC/CNTs/SHC composite (filtrating time of 2 h) exhibited a minimum reflection loss (RL) value of − 114.5 dB (1.3 mm) and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL<−10 dB) of 12.5 GHz at a matching thickness of 1.9 mm. The outstanding wave-absorbing properties of NZC/CNTs/SHC composites can be attributed to their unique hollow structure, which results in multiple reflections and scattering, interface/dipole polarization, improved dielectric and magnetic attenuation capability. • Ni 3 ZnC 0.7 /carbon nanotubes/melamine sponge hollow carbon composites were prepared. • The loading of NZC/CNTs can be tuned by controlling the filtrating time of 0.5, 1 and 2 h. • An effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL<−10 dB) of 12.5 GHz is obtained. • Unique hollow structure and CNTs show important effects on the performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine PD1/PDL1 expression status in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) at both protein and mRNA levels, and to analyze the relationship between their expression and clinical parameters of the TNBC patients. Immunohistochemistry and RNAscope were used to semi quantitively evaluate PD1/PDL1 protein and mRNA expression in 195 TNBC cases on tissue microarrays. Tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TILs) abundance was assessed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Both tumor cells and TILs expressed PDL1. PDL1 protein and mRNA positivity was 6.7% and 74.4% respectively in tumor cells, and 31.3% and 50.9% respectively in TILs. PDL1 protein and mRNA expressions had no significant association with patient prognosis. PD1 protein was only detected in TILs (70.3% positivity). PD1 protein expression was significantly related to PDL1 expression, higher TIL abundance, Ki-67 index, basal-like subtypes, and distant metastasis. Furthermore, it was significantly associated with longer disease free survival (P<0.001) and overall survival (P = 0.004). There was no significant association between PD1 mRNA expression and clinicopathological characteristics. PD1/PDL1 protein and mRNA expressions were inconsistent (kappa = 0.705 and 0.061, respectively). PD1 protein expression in TILs, but not PDL1 in tumor cells, was a favorable prognostic factor in TNBC. PD1/PDL1 mRNA and protein expressions were inconsistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a method to generate bifunctional antibodies by grafting full-length proteins into constant region loops of a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding fragment (Fab). The fusion proteins retain the antigen binding activity of the parent antibody but have an additional activity associated with the protein insert. The engineered antibodies have excellent in vitro activity, physiochemical properties, and stability. Among these, a Her2 × CD3 bispecific antibody (BsAb) was constructed by inserting an anti-Her2 single-chain variable fragment (ScFv) into an anti-CD3 Fab. This bispecific antibody efficiently induces targeted cell lysis in the presence of effector cells at as low as sub-picomolar concentrations in vitro. Moreover, the Her2 × CD3 BsAb shows potent in vivo antitumor activity in mouse Her22+ and Her21+ xenograft models. These results demonstrate that insertion of a full-length protein into non-CDR loops of antibodies provides a feasible approach to generate multifunctional antibodies for therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composite membranes consisting of silver nanowires (AgNWs) embedded in polylactic acid (PLA) nanofiber were successfully fabricated by one-pot electrospinning. The PLA/AgNWs composite membranes exhibited immediate silver release and local photothermal effect under NIR irradiation, which contributed to excellent antibacterial property, and simultaneously balanced biocompatibility. [Display omitted] • PLA/AgNWs composite nanofiber as wound dressing was developed by one-pot electrospinning. • Photothermally antibacterial capability of AgNWs was exploited for the first time. • The PLA/AgNWs composite membrane presented high strength, superior flexibility and NIR-induced self-peeling property. • Balanced antibacterial and biocompatible properties were achieved due to NIR-induced silver release and local temperature increase. Bacterial infection is the key factor challenging the success of wound healing. In view of the low and short-term antibacterial effects of traditional wound treatment, a photothermal activated antibacterial platform based on silver nanowires (AgNWs) embedded in polylactic acid (PLA) nanofiber membranes was fabricated by electrospinning in this study. SEM images showed that smooth and continuous PLA/AgNWs composite nanofibers with diameter distribution ranging from 200 to 700 nm were obtained. The composite membranes possess moderate hydrophobicity and self-peeling characters, which may contribute to prevent secondary injury during the removal of the dressing. Excellent water vapor permeability also could meet the requirement of wound dressing. Importantly, the presence of AgNWs endow the PLA/AgNWs membranes with not only enhanced plasticity, but also excellent antibacterial properties due to the near infrared (NIR) triggered silver ion release and local photothermal effect. Such NIR-controlled antibacterial action is also beneficial for achieving good biocompatibility. Therefore, the produced PLA/AgNWs composite nanofiber membrane is expected to be a promising candidate that can prevent bacterial infection and promote skin repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corallodiscus flabellata B. L. Burtt (CF) is a Chinese folk herb with reported potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylethanol-8-O-[4-O-trans-caffeoyl-β- D -apiofuranosyl-(1→3)-β- D -glucopyranosyl (1→6)][1]-β- D -glucopyranoside (SDC-1–8) and hydroxytyrosol (HT) are two polyphenolic compounds isolated from CF. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of SDC-1–8 and HT on an Aβ 25–35 -induced AD model and to study the underlying mechanism. The AD mouse model was established using a brain injection of amyloid β-protein 25–35 (Aβ 25–35 , 200 μM), followed by continuous administration of SDC-1–8 and HT for 4 weeks, and found that they improved cognitive dysfunction; ameliorated neuronal damage and apoptosis; decreased oxidative stress, and mitochondrial fission protein levels; and increased mitochondrial fusion protein levels in AD mice. Moreover, SDC-1–8 and HT inhibited mitochondrial membrane depolarization, reduced intracellular stored Ca2+ levels, enhanced mitochondrial respiration, increased mitochondrial fusion, and decreased mitochondrial division in Aβ 25–35 -induced PC12 cells even in the presence of mdivi-1. Furthermore, molecular docking simulations showed that SDC-1–8 and HT interacted with dynamin-related protein 1 with higher affinity than mitofusin 1. Thus, it is summarized that SDC-1–8 and HT may have neuroprotective effects by balancing the abnormalities of mitochondrial fission and fusion, and SDC-1–8 and HT are the components providing the therapeutic basis of CF. • SDC-1-8 and HT ameliorate cognitive dysfunction, brain damage and abnormal mitochondrial fusion and fission in Aβ 25–35 injected mice. • SDC-1-8 and HT improved mitochondrial homeostasis in Aβ 25–35 -injured PC12 cells by preventing mitochondrial fission through increased interaction with Drp1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the unprecedented advancement of cancer treatment, the prognosis for patients with metastatic stage of cancer remains poor. The challenge that underlines this clinical dilemma is the complexity of metastasis. The conventional experiment-driven discovery approaches (the "wet lab") yield overly simplified one-to-one mechanistic relationships that are inept of elucidating the complexity of metastasis. Metastasis research also suffers from the knowledge and skill deficiency of the individual investigators. The importance of the present study is the demonstration that the "dry-lab-driven discovery and wet-lab validation" approach can improve the efficiency of studying complex biological behaviors, and can yield more reliable, objective and comprehensive mechanistic findings that are have clinical significance. Specifically, we applied this approach to study the mechanisms that underline the involvement of exosomal miRNAs in transferring the metastatic capability between heterogenous melanoma cancer cells. We show that the highly metastatic melanoma tumor cells (POL) can transfer their metastatic competency to the low-metastatic melanoma tumor cells (OL) by exosomal miR-211-5p. The oncogenic activity of miR-211-5p is mediated by the target gene guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit alpha-15 (GNA15) through modifying the immune function of the tumor microenvironment extrinsically; as well as through inhibiting pyroptosis and augmenting glycolysis within OL cells intrinsically. In addition, we show that exosomal sorting of miR-211-5p is like selective and is subjected to regulation by a transcriptional feedback loop between miR-211-5p and zinc finger FYVE-type containing 26 (ZFYVE26). Furthermore, the "8-genes pyroptosis Risk model" derived from LASSO regression analysis was verified as an independent prognostic factor for melanoma. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sulfur cycle-based bioprocess for co-treatment of wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) wastes with freshwater sewage has been developed. In this process the removal of organic carbon is mainly associated with biological sulfate or sulfite reduction. Thiosulfate is a major intermediate during biological sulfate/sulfite reduction, and its reduction to sulfide is the rate-limiting step. In this study, the impacts of saline sulfite (the ionized form: HSO 3 − + SO 3 2− ) and free sulfurous acid (FSA, the unionized form: H 2 SO 3 ) sourced from WGFD wastes on the biological thiosulfate reduction (BTR) activities were thoroughly investigated. The BTR activity and sulfate/sulfite-reducing bacteria (SRB) populations in the thiosulfate-reducing up-flow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactor decreased when the FSA was added to the UASB influent. Batch experiment results confirmed that FSA, instead of saline sulfite, was the true inhibitor of BTR. And BTR activities dropped by 50% as the FSA concentrations were increased from 8.0 × 10 −8 to 2.0 × 10 −4 mg H 2 SO 3 -S/L. From an engineering perspective, the findings of this study provide some hints on how to ensure effective thiosulfate accumulation in biological sulfate/sulfite reduction for the subsequent denitrification/denitritation. Such manipulation would result in higher nitrogen removal rates in this co-treatment process of WFGD wastes with municipal sewage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data scarcity has caused enormous problems in non-point pollution predictions and the related source apportionment. In this study, a new framework was developed to undertake the source apportionment at a large-scale and ungauged catchment, by integrating the physically-based model and a surrogate model. The improvements were made, in terms of the application of a physically-based model in an ungauged area for the transfer process and the parametric transplantation process. The new framework was then tested in the Chaohu Lake basin, China. The result suggested that there has been a good match between simulated and observed data. Although the planting industry was the largest emission source with 48.16% of nitrogen (N), itonly contributed 12.61% of N flux to the Chaohu Lake. The ungauged catchments surrounding the Chaohu Lake were identified as non-negligible sources with 8.46% of phosphorus (P) contribution. The rainfall conditions could have great impacts on source apportionment results; e.g., the planting industry contributed from 68.17t of P in dry year to 436.02t in wet year. The new framework could be extended to other large-scale watersheds for source apportionment with data limitations. [Display omitted] • A new source apportionment method was proposed by combining SWAT and a surrogate model. • Data limitation was solved by transferring and modifying calibrated parameters. • Uncertainty of source apportionment results were quantified. • Planting industry discharged 48% of N, but contributed 13% to the flux of Chaohu Lake. • The source contribution changed from 10% to 28% in different hydrological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe-based composites improved the energy utilization efficiency of plasma for removing contaminants through multi-catalysis have received much attention. However, the energy efficiency and catalytic activity are compromised by the slow transformation from Fe (Ⅲ) to Fe (Ⅱ). Here, given the electron-donating ability of reducing sulfur species, as well as the acidic environment generated by FeS 2 , single FeS 2 was introduced into the glow discharge plasma (GDP) reactor for the removal of tylosin (TYL). The results showed that a significant synergistic effect between FeS 2 and GDP improved the energy efficiency of plasma and the removal efficiency of TYL (99.7%). FeS 2 boosted the generation of radicals (·OH, ·O 2 −) and nonradicals (h+, e−) rather than H 2 O 2 and O 3 , which played an important role in TYL abatement. Moreover, the electrons donating sulfur and iron species from FeS 2 can accelerate the conversion of Fe(III) to Fe(II), which was conducive to the generation of radicals. Besides, acid solution self-adjustment resulted from the oxidation of FeS 2 improved heterogeneous Fenton reaction, the oxidation potential of ·OH and adsorption of positive charged TYL. The plausible degradation pathways of TYL were proposed in GDP/FeS 2 system. In summary, enhanced removal of TYL was mainly attributed to the catalytic pathway altered by FeS 2 through high-energy electrons, photocatalysis, heterogeneous Fenton and O 3 catalysis in the GDP system simultaneously. The strategy of integrating GDP with FeS 2 proposed in this work is expected to offer a feasible and potential technique for organic wastewater treatment. [Display omitted] • FeS 2 improves the energy utilization efficiency of plasma and the removal efficiency of TYL. • Enhanced removal of TYL is mainly attributed to the catalytic pathway altered by FeS 2. • The electrons donating sulfur and iron species can accelerate the conversion of Fe(III) to Fe(II). • The acid solution regulated by oxidation process of FeS 2 is conducive to degradation. • Plausible degradation pathways of TYL in synergistic system are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Enables four-dimensional imaging in the polarization, spectral and spatial domains. • LCTF plays both a high-resolution hyperspectral filter and a joint linear polarizer. • QWP joins LP to measure full-Stokes parameters of hyperspectral images compressively. • It uses precise solving instead of fuzzy reconstructing the first Stokes parameter. • Improving measurement approach can further separate the last three Stokes parameters. Polarization hyperspectral compressive imaging has wide application prospects due to reflecting rich information of the target from the spatial, spectral and polarization dimensions. However, compressive imaging methods are limited in system complexity and reconstruction efficiency. In this paper, the combination of a quarter-wave plate, a linear polarizer and a liquid crystal tunable filter enables compressive full-Stokes polarization and flexible hyperspectral imaging. Then, the four Stokes parameters can be quickly reconstructed with high precision through numerical operations and compressive sensing. Both simulations and experiments verify the effectiveness of this method. Compared with the feature scaling method, this work shortens the reconstruction time by 83.73%, and greatly improves the reconstruction result of the first Stokes parameter from limited reconstruction to accurate solution. This work not only gives insights from efficient reconstruction to system design, but also creates conditions for the application of polarization hyperspectral imaging in specific fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor (GLP-1R), glucagon (GCG) receptor (GCGR), and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP, also known as gastric inhibitory polypeptide) receptor (GIPR), are three metabolically related peptide hormone receptors. A novel approach to the generation of multifunctional antibody agonists that activate these receptors has been developed. Native or engineered peptide agonists for GLP-1R, GCGR, and GIPR were fused to the N-terminus of the heavy chain or light chain of an antibody, either alone or in pairwise combinations. The fusion proteins have similar in vitro biological activities on the cognate receptors as the corresponding peptides, but circa 100-fold longer plasma half-lives. The GLP-1R mono agonist and GLP-1R/GCGR dual agonist antibodies both exhibit potent effects on glucose control and body weight reduction in mice, with the dual agonist antibody showing enhanced activity in the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor (GLP-1R), glucagon (GCG) receptor (GCGR), and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP, also known as gastric inhibitory polypeptide) receptor (GIPR), are three metabolically related peptide hormone receptors. A novel approach to the generation of multifunctional antibody agonists that activate these receptors has been developed. Native or engineered peptide agonists for GLP-1R, GCGR, and GIPR were fused to the N-terminus of the heavy chain or light chain of an antibody, either alone or in pairwise combinations. The fusion proteins have similar in vitro biological activities on the cognate receptors as the corresponding peptides, but circa 100-fold longer plasma half-lives. The GLP-1R mono agonist and GLP-1R/GCGR dual agonist antibodies both exhibit potent effects on glucose control and body weight reduction in mice, with the dual agonist antibody showing enhanced activity in the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]