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We present a strong coupled quantum dot-nanomechanical resonator system and investigate its nonlinear optical properties using optical pump-probe technology. The process of evolution of the nonlinear Kerr spectrum is studied for different resonator frequencies under low temperature and room temperature, respectively, and the results indicate that even at room temperature the nonlinear Kerr spectrum can still be resolved. In addition, we further theoretically propose a room temperature nonlinear optical mass sensing scheme based on the hybrid nanoresonator system. When the masses of external nanoparticles (such as biomolecules including baculovirus, coronavirus, DNA, etc.) are attached to the nanomechanical resonator, the resonance frequency shift caused by nanoparticles can be measured by nonlinear Kerr spectrum, and then the mass of nanoparticles can be determined. The hybrid coupled nanoresonator system will have potential applications in ultra-sensitive and high-resolution mass sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Axillary vein/subclavian vein (AxV/SCV) and Internal jugular vein (IJV) are commonly used for implantable venous access port (IVAP) implantation in breast cancer patients for chemotherapy. Previous research focused on comparison of complications while patient comfort was ignored. This study aims to compare patient comfort, surgery duration and complications of IVAP implantation between IJV and AxV/SCV approaches.Methods: Two hundred forty-eight breast cancer patients were enrolled in this randomized controlled study from August 2020 to June 2021. Patients scheduled to undergo IVAP implantation were randomly and equally assigned to receive central venous catheters with either AxV /SCV or IJV approaches. All patients received comfort assessment using a comfort scale table at day 1, day 2 and day 7 after implantation. Patient comfort, procedure time of operation as well as early complications were compared.Results: Patient comfort was significantly better in the AxV/SCV group than that of IJV group in day 1 (P < 0.001), day 2 (P < 0.001) and day 7(P = 0.023). Procedure duration in AxV/SCV group was slightly but significantly shorter than IJV group (27.14 ± 3.29 mins vs 28.92 ± 2.54 mins, P < 0.001). More early complications occurred in AxV/SCV group than IJV group (11/124 vs 2/124, P = 0.019). No difference of complications of artery puncture, pneumothorax or subcutaneous hematoma between these two groups but significantly more catheter misplacement in AxV/SCV group than IJV group (6/124 vs 0/124, P = 0.029). Absolutely total risk of complications was rather low in both groups (8.87% in AxV/SCV group and 1.61% in IJV group).Conclusions: Our study indicates that patients with AxV/SCV puncture have higher comfort levels than IJV puncture. AxV/SCV puncture has shorter procedure duration but higher risk of early complications, especially catheter misplacement. Both these two approaches have rather low risk of complications. Consequently, our study provides an alternative choice for breast cancer patients to reach better comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate the distribution characteristics of the partial carbonation zone of concrete. A series of experimental carbonation tests considering the effect of external temperature, concentration of CO2 , and relative humidity were implemented. The pH values of the simulated pore solution of the powder sample of concrete are presented. The carbonation model based on the mass-transfer theory is proposed. The results indicate that the pH value of the simulated pore solution can be applied to demarcate the complete and partial carbonation zones of carbonated concrete. The numerical model can be used to preferably simulate the distribution of complete and partial carbonation zones. The length of the partial carbonation zone increases with the increase of temperature and decreases with the increase of relative humidity. The lengths of the partial carbonation zone generally increase with the increase of concentration of CO2. Concrete with a high initial diffusion coefficient is conducive to the diffusion of carbon dioxide. The length of the complete and partial carbonation zones can be sensitively affected by the activation energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heterogeneity of a cement-based material results in a random spatial distribution of carbonation depth. Currently, there is a lack of both experimental and numerical investigations aiming at a statistical understanding of this important phenomenon. This paper presents both experimental and numerical supercritical carbonation test results of cement mortar blocks. The carbonation depths are measured along the carbonation boundary by the proposed rapid image processing technique, which are then statistically studied by calculating, e.g., their probability density and power spectral density (PSD). The results indicate that the distribution of the carbonation depth can be approximately represented by a lognormal distribution function and the PSD has quantitative correlation with some of the statistic parameters used in the simulations. In particular, the effects of the autocorrelation lengths and the coefficient of variation of porosity, which are used to define the random porosity field, on the irregularity of carbonation depth are analyzed numerically in details and validated by experimental results. The study has shown that using a random field of porosity with due consideration of spatial correlation and variance, the irregularity of carbonation depth can be realistically captured by the numerical model. The numerical results confirm that lognormal distributions represent the random nature of carbonation depth well and the average and variance of the irregular carbonation depth increase with the increase of carbonation time, autocorrelation length and coefficient of variation of porosity. The study also offers a potential method to numerically calibrate some of the statistic parameters required by a numerical carbonation model through comparing the PSD with that from experimental tests. Overall the methodology adopted in the paper can provide a foundation for future investigations on probability analysis of carbonation depth and other similar work based on multi-scale and -physics modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the supercritical carbonation process of cement-based materials is modelled by introducing a random porosity field to simulate the heterogeneous geometry of the carbonation profile. The suitability of two different random fields of porosity, based on the probability density function (PDF) and the ellipsoidal autocorrelation function (EAF) methods, are investigated, respectively, in simulating the distribution of porosity in cement mortar. After incorporating the above random fields into an established supercritical carbonation model, it is found that with some modifications, the EAF method with consideration of spatial correlation produces better simulation of the irregularities of the carbonation zones that have been observed from experimental results. It is also found that for given average porosity and coefficient of variation, the predicted average and maximum carbonation depths have much smaller coefficients of variation. The validated EAF supercritical carbonation model is then used in parametric studies that are conducted to assess the effect of various factors on the carbonation depth of the chemical process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of B cells is increased and the O-glycans of IgA1 are incompletely galactosylated in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Here we report that expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and Cosmc is decreased in B cells, and correlates with B cell number and the aberrant glycosylation of IgA1 in IgAN. Patients with IgAN exhibit higher miR-374b in B cells compared to controls. We show that miR-374b targets PTEN and Cosmc by luciferase assays and western blot analysis. Inhibition of miR-374b increased PTEN and Cosmc expression, and prevented cell proliferation and aberrant glycosylation of IgA1, thus representing a new therapeutic approach for IgAN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims We report nine Chinese patients with collagen type III glomerulopathy. Methods and results Two males and seven females were studied, ranging in age from 21 to 67 years. Proteinuria and hypertension were the most common symptoms, with incidences of 88.9 and 77.8%, respectively. Two patients had abnormal renal function. Their histological appearances varied. Massive eosinophilic and weakly periodic acid-Schiff ( PAS)-positive substances were deposited along the capillary loops and in the mesangial area in three cases, while others had thickened capillary walls with a chain-like structure or double-contour appearance of the PAS- and silver-stained sections. Immunofluorescence analysis showed the abundant deposition of collagen type III. Electron microscopy revealed massive scattered or bundle-shaped fibre-like materials in the subendothelial and mesangial areas. During follow-up, 44.4% of the patients suffered a doubling of serum creatinine. The level of serum creatinine at biopsy was an independent predictor of this doubled serum creatinine value. Conclusions Collagen type III deposits in the subendothelial and mesangial areas. Some patients show global nodular lesions, while others show subtle changes only via PAS/silver staining. Proteinuria and hypertension are the most common symptoms, and the serum creatinine level at biopsy is an independent predictor of the doubling of serum creatinine during follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, supercritical carbonation tests of concrete specimens with different water-to-cement ratios are carried out. In the test, the thickness of interfacial transition zone (ITZ) of the concrete is determined by the distribution of Ca/Si ratio across the interface between the coarse aggregate and cement paste. The microhardness distribution, microstructure and porosity of the ITZ before and after supercritical carbonation are analyzed. A geometrical and physical model considering the distribution of porosity, coarse aggregates, ITZ, and the supercritical carbonation of concrete is proposed, by which cracks, pores, calcium carbonates, and C-S-H gel at the interface of coarse aggregates and cement paste can be studied. The overall microstructures are relatively compacted after supercritical carbonation. The thickness of ITZ of concrete is reduced from 47-79 μm to 35–51 μm after supercritical carbonation. The average value and variance of carbonation depth of concrete increase with the increase of the thickness and porosity of ITZ. Comparing the carbonation results of concrete with different thicknesses and porosity of ITZ, it appears that porosity of ITZ has greater impact on the carbonation depth of concrete. • Ca/Si ratio distribution can be used to accurately determine the thickness of ITZ. • A method for generating the ITZ between the aggregates and cement paste was proposed. • A geometrical and physical model was proposed for the supercritical carbonation of concrete. • The carbonation depth of concrete is more sensitive to porosity than thickness of ITZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glomerular endothelial cells (GEnCs) contribute to renal injuries in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Here we profiled microRNAs (miRNAs) in GEnCs treated with conditioned medium from human mesangial cells in vitro. Levels of miR-223 in GEnCs decreased after incubation with the medium prepared with pIgA from patients with glomerular endothelial proliferation and were also decreased in the glomerular tissues of patients with glomerular endothelial proliferation. Mesangial-derived IL-6 caused miR-223 levels to decrease. The addition of exogenous miR-223 inhibited cell proliferation, ICAM-1 expression, and monocyte adhesion. The NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathways collaborate during the activation process. MiR-223 mimics inhibited the nuclear localization and DNA binding of p65 and STAT3 but had no effect on the expression of upstream molecules. Instead, importin α4 and α5 (multipurpose nuclear transport receptors), validated as targets of miR-223, were responsible for the nuclear transport of p65 and STAT3. Importin α4 and α5 siRNA inhibited the nuclear localization of p65 and STAT3 and prevented cell proliferation and monocyte adhesion. The level of miR-223 in circulating endothelial cells was decreased and related to the clinical and pathological parameters. Thus, miR-223 downregulation promotes glomerular endothelial cell activation by upregulating importin α4 and α5 in IgAN. Monitoring the level of miR-223 in circulating endothelial cells may provide a noninvasive method for evaluating the severity of IgAN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Enhanced miR-21 is associated with podocyte and tubular cell injuries in IgA nephropathy. [•] Inhibition of miR-21 prevents fibrogenic activation in podocytes and tubular cells. [•] Inhibition of miR-21 prevents PTEN/Akt pathway activation in podocytes and tubular cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac (DCLF) is limited by multiple adverse effects, including renal toxicity leading to acute kidney injury. In mice with DCLF-induced nephrotoxicity, TDZD-8, a selective glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3β inhibitor, improved acute kidney dysfunction and ameliorated tubular necrosis and apoptosis associated with induced cortical expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2. This renoprotective effect was blunted but still largely preserved in COX-2-null mice, suggesting that other GSK3β targets beyond COX-2 functioned in renal protection. Indeed, TDZD-8 diminished the mitochondrial permeability transition in DCLF-injured kidneys. In vitro, GSK3β inhibition reinstated viability and suppressed necrosis and apoptosis in DCLF-stimulated tubular epithelial cells. DCLF elicited oxidative stress, enhanced the activity of the redox-sensitive GSK3β, and promoted a mitochondrial permeability transition by interacting with cyclophilin D, a key component of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. TDZD-8 blocked GSK3β activity and prevented GSK3β-mediated cyclophilin D phosphorylation and the ensuing mitochondrial permeability transition, concomitant with normalization of intracellular ATP. Conversely, ectopic expression of a constitutively active GSK3β abolished the effects of TDZD-8. Hence, inhibition of GSK3β ameliorates NSAID-induced acute kidney injury by induction of renal cortical COX-2 and direct inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION Early blight is one of the main diseases that causes serious pepper yield and quality reduction. The identification of the presymptomatic features during the incubation period is of great research significance, in that scientific prevention measures in the incubation period may effectively reduce the loss of peppers.The present study confirms the feasibility of the identification of presymptomatic features in pepper early blight by infrared thermography during the incubation period. The infrared thermal images of pepper blades were captured during the whole incubation period in our experiment. Evaluation parameters such as temperature uniformity (U) and the variation coefficient (C) were established by infrared thermal images for the blade temperature field. Evaluation parameters such as temperature uniformity U and variation coefficient C of pepper blades change during the time from being inoculated to significant morbidity. For cases of stabbing inoculation, there were no relatively obvious symptoms in visible light images until 96 h after inoculation, whereas some presymptomatic features appeared in infrared thermal images at 60 h after inoculation. Based on the uniformity changes (δU) and the variation coefficient changes (δC) in the temperature field distribution, the characteristic polynomial (CP)‐GBDT model has been established by optimizing the gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) model. Compared with the GBDT mode, the CP‐GBDT model accuracy increased from 87.5% to 91.7% on the test set.Evaluation parameters such as temperature uniformity U and variation coefficient C can be used to effectively characterize the presymptomatic features of pepper early blight by infrared thermography during the incubation period. The results of the present study can provide a reference for the detection of crop diseases in the incubation period. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate prediction of tunnel convergence is important to ensure the stability of tunnel structures. Reliability analysis of tunnel convergence on spatially variable soils was performed based on Monte Carlo simulations. The Young's modulus of soils was shown to be spatially varied. The influence of the coefficient of variation, the vertical scale of fluctuation and the distribution type (i.e. beta distribution, gamma distribution and lognormal distribution) of soils on the tunnel convergence were systematically discussed. From measuring the mean and standard deviation of tunnel convergence, and the probability of exceeding some thresholds, it was found that the distribution type significantly influenced the results. The results were accompanied by a detailed analysis of the mechanisms of tunnel convergence in spatially random soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the occurrence of karst in certain areas of north and south Tibet. Many Chinese geomorphologists consider that the karst landforms in Tibet are a relict palaeokarst, formed in a humid tropical climate when the area was at a considerably lower altitude. This first study of the landforms, of the cave speleothems and of the cave sediments suggests that they are the result of formation under the present conditions of a high-mountain and semi-arid and periglacial climate. So far little evidence has been found of karst or of karst sediments formed under humid tropical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives: To assess rates of depression and diabetes distress (DD) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with type 2 diabetes (T2D) overall and by sociodemographic factors. Methods: AYAs with T2D ages 13-21 years seen in a pediatric diabetes clinic between March 2018 and June 2019 completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression screening and the Problem Areas in Diabetes - teen version (PAID-T) survey to assess for DD. Rates of depression and DD were calculated using standard PHQ-9 and PAID-T cut-offs. Chi-square tests were used to assess whether rates of depression and DD were associated with participant characteristics. Results: The sample consisted of 64 AYAs with T2D (58% female, mean age 15.8 ± 2.0 years, mean HbA1c 8.3% ± 2.6%, mean BMI z-score 2.2 ± 0.6, 59% on insulin). Twenty-two percent of participants reported moderate to high depressive symptoms and 9% endorsed self-harm on the PHQ-9. There were no differences in rates of depression by sociodemographic factors. Twenty-three percent of participants reported elevated DD. Rates of DD were higher among those on insulin (p=0.01) and on public health insurance (p=0.01) (Table1). Conclusions: Almost 1 in 4 AYAs with T2D endorse depression and DD. Our findings support the importance of mental health screening in AYAs with T2D, as well as the need for strategies to address psychological comorbidities in this population. Disclosure: A.J. Roberts: None. H. Bao: None. P. Qu: None. G. Kim: None. J. Yi-Frazier: None. C. Pihoker: None. F. Malik: None. Funding: Seattle Children's Hospital [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We proposed a method for the preparation of mixed solution of aggressive CO 2 and H+. • We experimentally studied corrosion depth of cement-based materials in the mixed solution. • We proposed a carbonation model with moving boundary to predict the corrosion depth. • We studied the effects of corrosion condition on the deterioration of cement-based materials. The deterioration mechanism of cement-based materials in mixed solution of corrosive CO 2 and H+ was experimentally investigated. A carbonation model with the moving boundary was proposed to predict the corrosion depth of cement paste in the mixed solution of aggressive CO 2 and H+ in this paper. A test apparatus and method for the preparation of mixed solution of aggressive CO 2 and H+ was designed and manufactured. The corrosion tests of cement paste and concrete under different corrosion condition were implemented and the corrosion depth were obtained. The microscopic test methods were also applied to study the corrosion mechanism of cement-based materials. In addition, a carbonation model with the moving boundary was proposed to simulate the corrosion process. Results indicate that both the single and dual corrosion of aggressive CO 2 and H+ solution have an obvious damage on the quality of cement paste and concrete. The damage of dual corrosion of aggressive CO 2 and H+ on the specimens are greater than that of single aggressive CO 2 solution or the strong acidity. The corrosion region can be divided into gel layer, carbonated layer and transition layer. The carbonation model with a moving boundary can be used satisfactorily to predict the corrosion process of cement paste. This paper provides experimental and numerical methods for the future investigations on the durability of underground structures in acid water containing aggressive carbon dioxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We experimentally and numerically studied irregularity of carbonation depth of concrete. • We proposed novel method to randomly distribute aggregates. • We included both aggregates and cement porosity in the numerical model. • We investigated the effects of volume ratios and gradation of aggregate on the carbonation depth. This paper presents both experimental study and multi-physics modelling of supercritical carbonation of concrete. A novel mathematical model is proposed to simulate random distribution of coarse aggregates in concrete. Supercritical carbonation tests of concrete are carried out and the measured carbonation depth is compared with the simulation results. On the basis of previous research on random field of porosity and supercritical carbonation of cement mortar, a new supercritical carbonation model is developed to study the effect of randomly distributed coarse aggregates and porosity on the irregularities of carbonation depth of concrete. The effect of the type, volume fraction and gradation of coarse aggregates and the porosity of ITZ on the distribution of irregular carbonation depth are also studied. The results demonstrate that the proposed two-dimensional random coarse aggregates model can be used satisfactorily to generate different types, volume fraction and gradation of coarse aggregates with the designed mix proportion within a confined space. The method provides a better and more realistic predictive model for simulating carbonation depth of concrete due to random distribution of coarse aggregates and porosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T cells play an important role in the development of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The mechanism underlying such T cell‐based kidney disease, however, remains elusive. Here the authors report that activated CD8 T cells elicit renal inflammation and tissue injury via releasing miR‐186‐5p‐enriched exosomes. Continuing the cohort study identifying the correlation of plasma level of miR‐186‐5p with proteinuria in FSGS patients, it is demonstrated that circulating miR‐186‐5p is mainly derived from activated CD8 T cell exosomes. Renal miR‐186‐5p, which is markedly increased in FSGS patients and mice with adriamycin‐induced renal injury, is mainly delivered by CD8 T cell exosomes. Depleting miR‐186‐5p strongly attenuates adriamycin‐induced mouse renal injury. Supporting the function of exosomal miR‐186‐5p as a key circulating pathogenic factor, intravenous injection of miR‐186‐5p or miR‐186‐5p‐containing T cell exosomes results in mouse renal inflammation and tissue injury. Tracing the injected T cell exosomes shows their preferential distribution in mouse renal tubules, not glomerulus. Mechanistically, miR‐186‐5p directly activates renal tubular TLR7/8 signal and initiates tubular cell apoptosis. Mutating the TLR7‐binding sequence on miR‐186‐5p or deleting mouse TLR7 largely abolishes renal tubular injuries induced by miR‐186‐5p or adriamycin. These findings reveal a causative role of exosomal miR‐186‐5p in T cell‐mediated renal dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate the effect of internal and external humidity differences on the distribution characteristics of the carbonated zone of cement-based materials. Carbonation tests with ambient humidity and pore water saturation as the influencing factors were implemented. The calcite content of the mortar along the depth of carbonation was presented. The rationality of the carbonation model was verified by the calcite test results, and the effect of internal and external humidity differences on the carbonation zone distribution of cement-based materials was analyzed by the model. The results showed that the test results of calcium carbonate and the simulation results can clearly distinguish the completely and partly carbonated zones of cement-based materials. The effect of pore water saturation on the distribution of the carbonated area was conspicuous, but the difference in pore water saturation cannot change the variation of the extent of the carbonated zone with ambient humidity. The change regularities of fully and partly carbonated zones with humidity differences were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium is an essential micronutrient element. For the extremely biotoxic of selenite, Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) is gaining increasing interest. In this work, a selenium-enriched strain with highly selenite-resistant (up to 173 mmol/L) was isolated from the local specialty food of longevity area and identified as Paenibacillus motobuensis (P. motobuensis) LY5201. Most of the SeNPs were accumulated extracellular. SeNPs were around spherical with a diameter of approximately 100 nm. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the purified SeNPs consisted of selenium and proteins. Our results suggested that P. motobuensis LY5201could be a suitable and robust biocatalyst for SeNPs synthesis. In addition, the cytotoxicity effect and the anti-invasive activity of SeNPs on the HepG2 showed an inhibitory effect on HepG2, indicating that SeNPs could be used as a potential anticancer drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the feasibility of screening potential drugs for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) using a single-cell transcriptome sequencing dataset and Connectivity Map (CMap) database screening. A DKD single-nucleus transcriptome sequencing dataset was analyzed using Seurat 4.0 to obtain specific podocyte subclusters and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to DKD. These DEGs were subsequently subjected to a search against the CMap database to screen for drug candidates. Cell and animal experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the top 3 drug candidates. Initially, we analyzed the DKD single-nucleus transcriptome sequencing dataset to obtain intrinsic renal cells such as podocytes, endothelial cells, mesangial cells, proximal tubular cells, collecting duct cells and immune cells. Podocytes were further divided into four subclusters, among which the proportion of POD_1 podcytes was significantly greater in DKD kidneys than in control kidneys (34.0 % vs. 3.4 %). The CMap database was searched using the identified DEGs in the POD_1 subcluster, and the drugs, including tozasertib, paroxetine, and xylazine, were obtained. Cell-based experiments showed that tozasertib, paroxetine and xylazine had no significant podocyte toxicity in the concentration range of 0.01–50 μM. Tozasertib, paroxetine, and xylazine all reversed the advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-induced decrease in podocyte marker levels, but the effect of paroxetine was more prominent. Animal experiments showed that paroxetine decreased urine ALB/Cr levels in DKD model mice by approximately 51.5 % (115.7 mg/g vs. 238.8 mg/g, P < 0.05). Histopathological assessment revealed that paroxetine attenuated basement membrane thickening, restored the number of foot processes of podocytes, and reduced foot process fusion. In addition, paroxetine also attenuated renal tubular-interstitial fibrosis. Mechanistically, paroxetine inhibited the expression of GRK2 and NLRP3, decreased the phosphorylation level of p65, restored NRF2 expression, and relieved inflammation and oxidative stress. This strategy based on single-cell transcriptome sequencing and CMap data can facilitate the identification and aid the rapid development of clinical DKD drugs. Paroxetine, screened by this strategy, has excellent renoprotective effects. • Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) specific podocytes were identified. • Potential drugs were obtained by the connectivity map and DKD-specific podocytes. • Paroxetine alleviated the progression of DKD in mouse models. • Paroxetine inhibited the expression of GRK2 to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three features were extracted to estimate Cotton Verticillium wilt disease index (DI). • Compared to color index and texture, vegetation index was significantly correlated with DI. • The introduction of normalized difference texture index combined with two textures can improve the accuracy of DI estimation. • Collaborative modeling of multiple sources of data to estimate DI has yielded good results. Verticillium wilt seriously jeopardizes cotton growth and restricts cotton yields. Therefore, it is important to accurately, rapidly, and non-destructively estimate the extent of cotton Verticillium wilt (CVW). The focus of this study was to explore the potential of combining the vegetation index (VI), color index (CI), and texture features to improve the accuracy of CVW disease severity estimation based on hexacopter Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) images. Simple Linear Regression (LR) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) methods were used to determine correlations between VI, CI, texture, and normalized difference texture index (NDTI) variables and cotton Verticillium wilt disease index (DI). The LR model based on VI, CI, and NDTI was constructed, VIs, CIs, and NDTIs were fused, and Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) Backpropagation Neural Network (BP) models were constructed to comparatively explore the estimation ability of each model on the degree of CVW disease. The results showed that VI was significantly correlated with DI, followed by NDTI, and CI. Compared with texture, NDTI containing both texture features was more significantly correlated with DI. The accuracy of the DI estimation using LR was highest for the one-factor VI model (R2 > 0.48, RRMSE < 51.48), followed by the NDTI model (R2 > 0.47, RRMS < 60.81) and the CI model (R2 > 0.33, RRMSE < 52.58). The PSO-BP and GWO-ELM were further used to model the DI estimation with different input variables. Regardless of the period, the fusion of three data sources (VIs + CIs + TIs) was preferable to a single data source or a combination of two data sources for different model inputs. In terms of different modeling algorithms, GWO-ELM combining VIs, CIs, and NDTIs had the highest estimation accuracy compared with SR and PSO-BP, with a validated R2 values of 0.65 (RRMSE = 42.96) at the flowering stage, 0.66 (RRMSE = 20.00) at the flower and boll stage, and 0.88 (RRMSE = 10.53) at the boll stage. This study demonstrated that the estimation accuracy of DI was significantly improved using collaborative modeling with multiple data sources. This study provides ideas and methods for monitoring crop disease conditions using low-altitude remote sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel tetraphenylethylene derivatives (denoted as A12-TPE and T12-TPE) were prepared by incorporating different chiral d -gluconic acid substituents into the achiral TPE core. Their aggregation-induced emission (AIE) activity, self-assembly structure and circularly polarized luminescent (CPL) performance were then investigated using various techniques. The results reveal that both A12-TPE and T12-TPE exhibit AIE properties with quantum yields as high as 74.3% and 74.0% respectively. Moreover, due to the synergy effect of steric hindrance of the acetal group and chiral induction of d -gluconic acid, A12-TPE possesses a helical supermolecular structure, which endowed the material with distinct CPL properties. On the contrary, T12-TPE without the acetal group exhibits a lamellar structure rather than a helical structure, and no CPL signal can be observed. The helical supermolecular structure, in combination with the AIE activity and CPL performance of A12-TPE , make it a promising material for fabrication of chiral luminescent devices. Image 1 • Two novel TPE derivatives with different chiral substituents (A12-TPE and T12-TPE) were synthesized. • A12-TPE and T12-TPE possesses lamellar and helical supramolecular structures, respectively. • The unique helical supermolecular structure endowed A12-TPE with distinct CPL property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal control of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, along with demand-side management, are both cost-effective methods in the process of energy conservation and carbon reduction. The successful implementation of these initiatives largely hinges on accurate cooling load predictions. Due to the complex nonlinear and dynamic time-varying nature of demand loads, however, it is a formidable challenge to accurately predict the cooling load. To address these issues, a novel deep learning-based prediction framework, aTCN-LSTM, is proposed. First, a gate-controlled multi-head temporal convolutional network is designed to capture the inherent nonlinear and local temporal features from the time series of cooling loads. Second, a sparse probabilistic self-attention mechanism is integrated with a bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) network to extract the long-term dependencies within the cooling load sequences. Finally, through integration with the proposed two components, the framework is developed and validated through a 14-month real cooling load forecasting problem for a 51-story hotel building in Guangzhou, China. Experiments and comparison studies demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method. The mean absolute percentage error of the proposed method's 1-step, 6-step, and 12-step prediction results is reduced by 27.48%, 14.05%, and 13.38%, respectively, compared with the state-of-the-art baseline model. Consequently, it stands poised to serve as an effective guide for HVAC chiller scheduling and demand management initiatives. [Display omitted] • A gated multi-head temporal convolution network (GMTCN) is designed. • A novel framework is constructed by integrating GMTCN and improved BiLSTM. • The proposed framework is compared with nine other models in real-life cases. • GMTCN exhibits robust feature and temporal pattern extraction capabilities. • The prediction error of the proposed framework is reduced by more than 13.38%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In specific, miR-186-5p is enriched in exosomes of activated CD8 T cells and preferentially enters renal tubular cells where it directly binds endosomal TLR7/8 and initiates renal inflammation. CD8 T Cell-Derived Exosomal miR-186-5p Elicits Renal Inflammation via Activating Tubular TLR7/8 Signal Axis (Adv. Sci. 25/2023) In article number 2301492, Ke Zen, Zhihong Liu, and co-workers identify exosomal miR-186-5p from activated CD8 T cells as such circulating pathogenic factor that causes renal dysfunction. [Extracted from the article]

• Three high pure LiSiPSCl electrolytes were synthesized at 450/475/500 °C for 8 h. • Li/Li-In anode & LiNbO 3 -coated LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 cathode were selected. • LiSiPSCl-based blocking/symmetrical/semi-blocking cells & ASSLIBs were assembled. • Optimized NCM@LNO//SE-475//Li-In ASSLIB exhibited good cycle/rate performance. The lithium silicon phosphor sulfo-chloride (LiSiPSCl) with a Li 10 GeP 2 S 12 -type structure is one of the most promising solid electrolytes (SEs) for all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASSLIBs) due to its currently highest ionic conductivity at RT. In this work, three kinds of LiSiPSCl electrolytes, i.e. Li 7.59(10) Si 1.95(9) P 1.65(7) S 11.64(1) Cl 0.36(1) (SE-450), Li 7.67(12) Si 1.90(1) P 1.67(1) S 11.61(2) Cl 0.39(2) (SE-475) and Li 7.58(5) Si 1.75(4) P 1.79(2) S 11.54(4) Cl 0.46(4) (SE-500), were prepared at 450 / 475 / 500 °C for 8 h through a solid-state method. The assembling of blocking / symmetrical / semi-blocking cells and ASSLIBs, and electrochemical measurements were carried out by coupling the three SEs with two kinds of anodes (Li metal and Li-In alloy) and one cathode of LiNbO 3 -coated LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 (NCM@LNO). Studies were focused on the relationship among chemical compositions, phase structures and electrochemical properties, as well as the electrolyte/electrode interfacial stability. Results show that LiSiPSCl electrolytes had favorable interfacial stability with Li-In anode and exhibited low polarization voltage (< 20 mV) and decomposition current (< 0.01 mA). The optimized NCM@LNO//SE-475//Li-In of ASSLIBs exhibited a stable long-term cycle performance with a capacity retention of 97.0% (128.4 mAh g−1) after 50 cycles and 81.1% (107.4 mAh g−1) after 100 cycles at 0.1 C. In addition, it exhibited a good rate performance while its capacity retention remained 99.3% (140.6 mAh g−1) after 39 cycles at 0.05 / 0.1 / 0.2 / 0.5 / 0.05 C. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible force sensors capable of real-time and sensitive analysis have gained immense popularity because of their great potential to be integrated into potable and wearable electronics. Herein, a novel flexible force sensor constructing from topographically patterned piezo-active MXene@MnO 2 /poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) hybrid that allows for real-time precise pressure detection is proposed. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of topographical patterning and nano-reinforcement filling, the piezo-active hybrids with convex microarrays patterns demonstrate outstanding piezoelectric coefficient d 33 (49 pC/N) and output upon mechanical stimuli, enabling the resultant force sensors with high voltage sensitivity of 0.450 V/N, fast response time of 16–19 ms and excellent operation stability. Furthermore, the feasibility of sensors in effectively detecting water droplets, gas flow and finger bending is demonstrated, confirming their viability for real applications. [Display omitted] • A facile approach is developed to fabricate flexible micropatterned MXene@MnO 2 /poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) hybrid. • The novel micropatterned hybrids deliver outstanding piezoelectric coefficient d 33 up to 49 pC/N. • The micropatterned hybrids sensors present high voltage sensitivity, fast response time and excellent operation stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escherichia coli O157: H7 ( E. coli O157: H7) has become one of the most dangerous foodborne pathogenic bacteria around the world. Currently, because of the tedious, high-cost and stringent laboratory conditions required, the conventional E. coli O157: H7 detection methods, such as culture-based methods and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), have much limitation. Thus, we developed a novel paper-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (p-ELISA) with shorter operation duration, lower cost, relatively higher sensitivity and wider application. This method required less than 3 h and 5 μL of sample to complete the detection. The limit of detection (LOD) for E. coli O157: H7 reached 1 × 10 4 CFU/mL with high specificity. To be more suitable for on-site testing, the readout could be rapidly obtained without any expensive instruments. In this study, we chose E. coli O157:H7 as the representative, and our method could provide a platform for determination of other pathogenic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A striking gender disparity in the incidence and outcome of primary liver cancer (PLC) has been well recognized. Mounting evidence from basic research suggests that hormonal factors may be involved in the gender disparity of PLC. Whether hormonal exposures in human subjects are associated with PLC risk is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE: Whether reproductive factors and use of menopausal hormone therapies (MHTs) in women are associated with PLC risk remains controversial. We conducted this study to clarify this issue. SEARCH METHODS: PubMed and EMBASE were searched to July, 2016 for studies published in English or Chinese. Observational studies (cohort, nested case-control and case-control) that provided risk estimates of reproductive factors, MHTs and PLC risk were eligible. The quality of included studies was determined based on the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. Summary risk ratios (RRs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Dose-response analysis was conducted where possible. OUTCOMES: Fifteen peer-reviewed studies, involving 1795 PLC cases and 2 256 686 women, were included. Overall meta-analyses on parity and PLC risk did not find any significant associations; however, when restricting to studies with PLC cases ≥100, increasing parity was found to be significantly associated with a decreased risk of PLC [RR for the highest versus lowest parity 0.67, 95% CI 0.52, 0.88; RR for parous versus nulliparous 0.71, 95% CI 0.53, 0.94; RR per one live birth increase 0.93, 95% CI 0.88, 0.99]. A J-shaped relationship between parity and PLC risk was identified (Pnon-linearity < 0.01). Compared with never users, the pooled RRs of PLC were 0.60 (95% CI 0.37, 0.96) for ever users of MHT, 0.73 (95% CI 0.46, 1.17) for ever users of estrogen-only therapy (ET) and 0.67 (95% CI 0.45, 1.02) for ever users of estrogen-progestin therapy (EPT). The pooled RR of PLC for the oldest versus youngest category of menarcheal age was 0.50 (95% CI 0.32, 0.79). Oophorectomy was significantly associated with an increased risk of PLC (RR 2.23, 95% CI 1.46, 3.41). No significant association of age at first birth, and spontaneous or induced abortion with PLC risk was found. No meta-analysis was performed for the association of age at menopause, breastfeeding, hysterectomy, menopausal status and stillbirth with PLC risk owing to huge methodological heterogeneity and/or very limited studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS: Parity is associated with PLC risk in a J-shaped dose-response pattern. Late age at menarche and ever use of MHT are associated with a reduced risk of PLC, whereas there is no association of ever use of ET and EPT, age at first birth, or spontaneous and induced abortion with PLC risk. Compared to women with no history of oophorectomy, those with a history of oophorectomy are at an increased risk of PLC. Our findings provide some epidemiological support for a role of hormonal exposures in the development of PLC in women. However, these findings should be interpreted with much caution because of the limited number of studies and potential biases, and need to be validated by studies with good design and large sample size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. We sought to identify the long-term renal survival rate and related risk factors of progression to renal failure in Chinese adult patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and to quantify the effects of proteinuria during the follow-up on outcome in patients with IgAN. Methods. Patients with biopsy-proven primary IgAN in the Nanjing Glomerulonephritis Registry were studied. Renal survival and the relationships between clinical parameters and renal outcomes were assessed. Results. One thousand one hundred and fifty-five patients were enrolled in this study. The 10-, 15- and 20-year cumulative renal survival rates, calculated by Kaplan–Meier method, were 83, 74 and 64%, respectively. At the time of biopsy, proteinuria >1.0 g/day [hazard ratio (HR) 3.2, P < 0.001], estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73m2 (HR 2.6, P < 0.001), hypertension (HR 1.9, P < 0.001), hypoproteinemia (HR 2.0, P < 0.001) and hyperuricemia (HR 2.1, P < 0.001) were the independent risk factors. Multivariate Cox analysis showed the time-average proteinuria (TA-P) during follow-up was the most important risk factor of renal failure. Patients with TA-P >1.0 g/day were associated with a 9.4-fold risk than patients with TA-P <1.0 g/day (P < 0.001) and 46.5-fold risk than those with TA-P <0.5 g/day (P < 0.001). Moreover, patients who achieved TA-P <0.5 g/day benefit much more than those with TA-P between 0.5 and 1.0 g/day (HR 13.1, P < 0.001). Conclusions. Thirty-six percent of Chinese adult patients with IgAN progress to end stage renal disease within 20 years. Five clinical features—higher proteinuria, hypertension, impaired renal function, hypoproteinemia and hyperuricemia—are independent predictors of an unfavorable renal outcome. The basic goal of anti-proteinuric therapy for Chinese patients is to lower proteinuria <1.0 g/day and the optimal goal is to lower proteinuria to <0.5 g/day. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Clinical use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac (DCLF) is limited by multiple adverse effects, including renal toxicity leading to acute kidney injury. In mice with DCLF-induced nephrotoxicity, TDZD-8, a selective glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3β inhibitor, improved acute kidney dysfunction and ameliorated tubular necrosis and apoptosis associated with induced cortical expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2. This renoprotective effect was blunted but still largely preserved in COX-2-null mice, suggesting that other GSK3β targets beyond COX-2 functioned in renal protection. Indeed, TDZD-8 diminished the mitochondrial permeability transition in DCLF-injured kidneys. In vitro, GSK3β inhibition reinstated viability and suppressed necrosis and apoptosis in DCLF-stimulated tubular epithelial cells. DCLF elicited oxidative stress, enhanced the activity of the redox-sensitive GSK3β, and promoted a mitochondrial permeability transition by interacting with cyclophilin D, a key component of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. TDZD-8 blocked GSK3β activity and prevented GSK3β-mediated cyclophilin D phosphorylation and the ensuing mitochondrial permeability transition, concomitant with normalization of intracellular ATP. Conversely, ectopic expression of a constitutively active GSK3β abolished the effects of TDZD-8. Hence, inhibition of GSK3β ameliorates NSAID-induced acute kidney injury by induction of renal cortical COX-2 and direct inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tubulointerstitial fibrosis impacts renal prognosis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Based on transcriptomic analysis, we found that the level of LOC105375913 was increased in tubular cells of FSGS patients. C3a induced the expression of LOC105375913, which promoted the expression of fibronectin and collagen I in tubular cells. Silence of snail reversed the level of fibronectin and collagen I in cells overexpressing LOC105375913. MiR-27b was predicted and confirmed to regulate the expression of snail in tubular cells, and LOC105375913 contained the response element of miR-27b. The competitive binding between LOC105375913 and miR-27b increased the level of snail and promoted fibrogenesis in tubular cells. Upstream, p38 and XBP-1s regulated the expression of LOC105375913. Inhibition of p38 or silence of XBP-1s decreased the level of LOC105375913, and suppressed the expression of snail, fibronectin and collagen I in tubular cells treated with C3a. Overexpression of LOC105375913 decreased the level of miR-27b, increased the level of snail and caused tubulointerstitial fibrosis in mice. In conclusion, the activation of C3a/p38/XBP-1s pathway induces the expression of LOC105375913 in tubular cells, and LOC105375913 increases the level of snail and induces tubulointerstitial fibrosis through competitive binding of miR-27b in tubular cells of FSGS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]