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Original lidar return signals are covered by high levels of noise that seriously affect the accuracy of subsequent data processing and inversion. Therefore, it is important to separate the effective signal from the returned signal with noise interference. In this paper, an efficient denoising method based on the variational mode decomposition (VMD) algorithm optimized using the global search strategy-based whale algorithm and the total variational stationary wavelet transform (GSWOA-VMD-SWTTV) is proposed, and this method is applied to denoising of lidar return signals. First, the global search strategy-based whale optimization algorithm (GSWOA) is used to acquire the optimal parameters of the VMD algorithm adaptively, and the lidar return signal is then decomposed by global search strategy-based whale optimization algorithm (GSWOA)-VMD. The effective modal components are then determined using the cross-correlation coefficient method from the decomposed modal components, and total variation stationary wavelet denoising is performed on each effective mode. Finally, the effective modes are reconstructed to obtain a clean lidar return signal. Moreover, to provide further verification of the effectiveness of the proposed method, it is compared with the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) method, the complete EEMD with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) method, the singular value decomposition (SVD) method, and the wavelet threshold method under sunny, cloudy, and dusty weather conditions. The experimental results demonstrate the superior noise reduction performance of the proposed algorithm, which can filter out strong noise from the signal while retaining the complete signal details without distortion; additionally, the proposed method has the highest signal-to-noise ratio and lowest mean square error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization increases psychological stress among pedestrians, potentially heightening mental health disorders. This study examines the role of street walls' visual and textural characteristics in stress recovery, using Qingdao as a case study. Virtual reality is employed to simulate five distinct street walls: yellow mortar, brown stone, red brick, green plant, and white mortar. The stress recovery effectiveness of these walls was evaluated through psychological and physiological indicators from 48 young college students. Results indicated that street walls with warm tones, particularly brown stone, significantly aid stress recovery. Psychologically, Restorative Components Scale was highest for brown stone at 1.13. Physiologically, it was linked with notable reductions in diastolic and pulse pressure (decreases of 2.95 mmHg and 2.27 mmHg, respectively), and enhanced parasympathetic activity, as evidenced by the fastest decrease in low frequency/high frequency ratio (LF/HF), and increases in pNN50 and RR (0.14–2.01% and 1.57–11.81 ms, respectively). For urban design, the incorporation of warm-toned materials and natural elements like stone is recommended for their superior restorative benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ground temperature at a fixed depth is a crucial boundary condition for understanding the properties of deep permafrost. However, the commonly used mean annual ground temperature at the depth of the zero annual amplitude (MAGTdzaa) has application limitations due to large spatial heterogeneity in observed depths. In this study, we utilized 231 borehole records of mean annual ground temperature at a depth of 15 meters (MAGT15m) from 2010 to 2019 and employed support vector regression (SVR) to predict gridded MAGT15m data at a spatial resolution of nearly 1 km across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). SVR predictions demonstrated a R2 value of 0.48 with a negligible negative overestimation (-0.01 °C). The average MAGT15m of the QTP permafrost was -1.85 °C (±1.58 °C), with 90% of values ranging from -5.1 °C to -0.1 °C and 51.2% exceeding -1.5 °C. The freezing degree days (FDD) was the most significant predictor (p<0.001) of MAGT15m, followed by thawing degree days (TDD), mean annual precipitation (MAP), and soil bulk density (BD) (p<0.01). Overall, the MAGT15m increased from northwest to southeast and decreased with elevation. Lower MAGT15m values are prevail in high mountainous areas with steep slopes. The MAGT15m was the lowest in the basins of the Amu Darya, Indus, and Tarim rivers (-2.7 to -2.9 °C) and the highest in the Yangtze and Yellow River basins (-0.8 to -0.9 °C). The baseline dataset of MAGT15m during 2010–2019 for the QTP permafrost will facilitates simulations of deep permafrost characteristics and provides fundamental data for permafrost model validation and improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have been widely used for hyperspectral image (HSI) classification. However, the superior performance of DNNs requires accurately labeled samples. In various applications, label noise in large-scale HSI data is often unavoidable and adversely affects the performance of a classifier. Therefore, establishing a robust classification model from an existing DNN classifier for the HSI dataset with label noise is a significant and challenging problem. In this report, we propose a meta-learning reweighting framework based on a joint positive and negative learning (JPNL) method which can adaptively reweight labeled samples to improve the robustness of the classification model. Experimental results on two commonly used hyperspectral imaging (HSI) datasets contaminated with label noise demonstrate significant improvements in classification performance and robustness achieved by the proposed framework, as compared to existing classifiers. • Aiming at the classification of hyperspectral images with noise labels. • Focus on the enhancing the classification accuracy of meta-weight-net methods. • A joint algorithm combined by positive and negative reweighting learning is proposed. • The method makes full use of sample information without manually marking outliers. • Experimental results show that the algorithm significantly enhance the robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active aerodynamic flaps can effectively improve the aerodynamic stability of bridges; however, the determination of optimal control parameters often requires a large number of experiments. This study proposes a method for determining the optimal control parameters of active flaps based on the surrogate model and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation technology. The computational fluid dynamics method is used to calculate the flutter derivatives of the deck–flap system under a small number of control parameters, and then the surrogate model is used to extend the flutter derivatives to the design domain of entire control parameters. Furthermore, the changing trend of flutter performance under flap control parameters can be obtained. This method can avoid complex and expensive active control wind tunnel tests and obtain more accurate optimal control parameters at less cost, which is helpful for the convenient application of active control technology in actual engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the axial compressive behavior of reinforced concrete-filled square glass-fiber-reinforced polymer(GFRP) tubular (RCFSGT) columns, 17 specimens were designed with variations in GFRP tube wall thickness, spiral reinforcement yield strength, and spiral reinforcement ratio. A detailed model was developed using the finite element software ABAQUS, enabling in-depth mechanistic analysis and expanded parameter studies. The results indicate that the failure types of the specimens are all manifested as GFRP square tube cracking, and the core concrete is subjected to crushing or shear failure. The inclusion of a reinforcement cage can significantly enhance the load-bearing capacity and ductility of the specimen. Furthermore, as the yield strength and reinforcement ratio of the spiral reinforcement increase, so does the load-bearing capacity of the specimen. The finite element simulation results align well with the experimental findings. As the wall thickness of the GFRP square tube increases from 2 mm to 6 mm, the load-bearing capacity improves by approximately 19.69%. With the yield strength of the spiral reinforcement rising from 200 MPa to 400 MPa, the specimen's load-bearing capacity shows an increase of approximately 7.55%. However, as its yield strength continues to increase, there is minimal change in the load-bearing capacity. When the stirrup ratio of spiral reinforcement rises from 0.33% to 2.26%, the specimen's load-bearing capacity experiences an increase of approximately 56.90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self-healing cement used in oil wells aims to provide long-term interlayer isolation by enabling the cement system to repair itself. This paper compared the absorption properties of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propanesulfonic acid (AMPS)-based superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and acrylic acid (AA)-based SAP in water and cement slurry filtrate. The effect of cement slurry filtrate on the water absorption properties of the two SAPs was evaluated. The results showed that the calcium ions in the cement slurry would crosslink with the carboxyl groups in the AA-SAP, increasing the crosslink density and greatly reducing its absorption rate in water. Compared to AA-SAP, AMPS-SAP is more suitable for oil well cement slurries. AMPS-SAP can help reduce the fluid loss of cement slurry. The addition of 0.4% AMPS-SAP in cement slurry results in a 64 mL decrease in fluid loss. The properties (rheological properties, thickening time, and compressive strength) of cement slurry meet the requirements for well cementing construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The CoNiFe 0.08 -NC@p-NCNTs is synthesized by DBD plasma treatment. • NC encapsulated CoNiFe NPs constructed nanosheets distribute on the network of NCNTs. • The CoNiFe 0.08 -NC@p-NCNTs is demonstrated to be an excellent catalyst for ORR/OER. • It shows great potentials in improving the performance of rechargeable ZABs. • The assembled flexible all-solid-state ZAB exhibits a high OCV of 1.384 V. Economical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) bifunctional catalysts with high activity aimed at replacing precious metal catalysts for rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs) must be developed. In this study, a multiple hierarchical-structural material is developed using a facile dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma surface treatment, solvothermal reaction, and high-temperature carbonization strategy. This strategy allows for the construction of nanosheets using nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) material-encapsulated ternary CoNiFe alloy nanoparticles (NPs) on a network of NC nanotubes (NCNTs), denoted as CoNiFe–NC@p–NCNTs. Precisely, the presence of abundant CoNiFe alloy NPs and the formation of M–N–C active sites created by transition metals (cobalt, nickel, and iron) coupled with NC can provide superior OER/ORR bifunctional properties. Moreover, the prepared NC layers with a multilevel pore structure contribute to a larger specific surface area, exposing numerous active sites and enhancing the uniformity of electron and mass movement. The CoNiFe 0.08 –NC@p–NCNTs show remarkable dual functionality for electrochemical oxygen reactions (ORR half-wave potential of 0.811 V, limiting current density of 5.73 mA cm−2 measured with a rotating disk electrode at a rotation speed of 1600 rpm, and OER overpotential of 351 mV at 10 mA cm−2), which demonstrates similar ORR performance to 20 wt% Pt/C and better OER performance than the commercial RuO 2. A liquid ZAB prepared using the proposed material has excellent bifunctionality with an open-circuit voltage of 1.450 V and long-term cycling stability of 230 h@10 mA cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we focus on asymptotic speeds of spread for a reaction–diffusion two-group SIR epidemic model with constant recruitment, which lacks the comparison principle. More precisely, if R 0 < 1 , then the solution of the system converges to the disease-free equilibrium as t → ∞ and if R 0 > 1 , there exists a critical speed c ∗ such that the solution of the system is uniformly persistent with | x | ≤ c t , ∀ c ∈ [ 0 , c ∗) and the infection dies out with | x | ≥ c t for any c > c ∗ . Finally, some numerical experiments are presented to modeling the propagation dynamics of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemo‐regulation abilities of chemotherapeutic medications are appealing to address the low immunogenicity, immunosuppressive lactate microenvironment, and adaptive immune resistance of colorectal cancer. In this work, the proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) of BRD4 (dBET57) is found to downregulate colorectal cancer glycolysis through the transcription inhibition of c‐Myc, which also inhibits the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) to reverse immune evasion and avoid adaptive immune resistance. Based on this, self‐delivery nano‐PROTACs (designated as DdLD NPs) are further fabricated by the self‐assembly of doxorubicin (DOX) and dBET57 with the assistance of DSPE‐PEG2000. DdLD NPs can improve the stability, intracellular delivery, and tumor targeting accumulation of DOX and dBET57. Meanwhile, the chemotherapeutic effect of DdLD NPs can efficiently destroy colorectal cancer cells to trigger a robust immunogenic cell death (ICD). More importantly, the chemo‐regulation effects of DdLD NPs can inhibit colorectal cancer glycolysis to reduce the lactate production, and downregulate the PD‐L1 expression through BRD4 degradation. Taking advantages of the chemotherapy and chemo‐regulation ability, DdLD NPs systemically activated the antitumor immunity to suppress the primary and metastatic colorectal cancer progression without inducing any systemic side effects. Such self‐delivery nano‐PROTACs may provide a new insight for chemotherapy‐enabled tumor immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the full information about the existence and nonexistence of a time-periodic traveling wave solution of a reaction–diffusion Zika epidemic model with seasonality, which is non-monotonic, is investigated. More precisely, if the basic reproduction number, denoted by R 0 , is larger than one, there exists a minimal wave speed c ∗ > 0 satisfying for each c > c ∗ , the system admits a nontrivial time-periodic traveling wave solution with wave speed c, and for c < c ∗ , there exist no nontrivial time-periodic traveling waves such that if R 0 ⩽ 1 , the system admits no nontrivial time-periodic traveling waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Design Methods Results Conclusion Implications for the Profession Impact Reporting Method Patient or Public Contribution This study explored the knowledge and confidence levels of nursing academics in teaching both the theories and practical skills of digital health in undergraduate nursing programs.A cross‐sectional study.A structured online survey was distributed among nursing academics across Australian universities. The survey included two sections: (1) the participants' demographics and their nursing and digital health teaching experience; (2) likert scales asking the participants to rate their knowledge and confidence to teach the theories and practical skills of four main themes; digital health technologies, information exchange, quality and digital professionalism.One hundred and nineteen nursing academics completed part one, and 97 individuals completed part two of the survey. Only 6% (n = 5) of the participants reported having formal training in digital health. Digital health was mainly taught as a module (n = 57, 45.9%), and assessments of theory or practical application of digital health in the nursing curriculum were uncommon, with 79 (69.9%) responding that there was no digital health assessment in their entry to practice nursing programs. Among the four core digital health themes, the participants rated high on knowledge of digital professionalism (22.4% significant knowledge vs. 5.9% no knowledge) but low on information exchange (30% significant knowledge vs. 28.3% no knowledge). Statistically significant (p < .001) associations were found between different themes of digital health knowledge and the level of confidence in teaching its application. Nursing academics with more than 15 years of teaching experience had a significantly higher level of knowledge and confidence in teaching digital health content compared with those with fewer years of teaching experience.There is a significant gap in nursing academics' knowledge and confidence to teach digital health theory and its application in nursing. Nursing academics need to upskill in digital health to prepare the future workforce to be capable in digitally enabled health care settings.Nursing academics have a limited level of digital knowledge and confidence in preparing future nurses to work in increasingly technology‐driven health care environments. Addressing this competency gap and providing sufficient support for nursing academics in this regard is essential. What problem did the study address? Level of knowledge and confidence among nursing academics to teach digital health in nursing practice. What were the main findings? There is a significant gap in nursing academics' knowledge and confidence to teach digital health theory and its application in nursing. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? Professional nursing education globally. The STROBE guideline was used to guide the reporting of the study.The call for participation from nursing academics across Australia provided an introductory statement about the project, its aim and scope, and the contact information of the principal researcher. A participant information sheet was shared with the call providing a detailed explanation of participation. Nursing academics across Australia participated in the survey through the link embedded in the participation invite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studies the asymptotic consensus of multiple robots with uncertain parameters and external disturbances. A novel asymptotic tracking command filtered adaptive consensus control approach is proposed. The command filters avoid the differentials of virtual control functions in backstepping, meanwhile, the compensation mechanism is used to compensate filtering errors. Compared with current command filtered control algorithms for the consensus control of multiple robots, the consensus tracking errors can asymptotically converge to origin under the given approach, moreover, the design process is simplified by designing only one adaptive parameter for each manipulator. A simulation example verifies the given approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this paper, the fast finite‐time backstepping containment control strategy is considered for high‐order stochastic multi‐agent systems. The addition of the finite‐time command filter avoids calculating explosion which occurs in the differential process of virtual control signals for the high‐order system on the traditional backstepping and makes convergence speed of control system faster. The influence of filtering errors generated by filter for control systems is eliminated by establishing error compensation systems. The fuzzy logic systems approximate unknown dynamics of systems. It proves the closed‐loop systems are practically fast finite‐time stable in mean square. The given simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infant call structure should have evolved to elicit maximum maternal attention and investment. Neonates of giant pandas produce three types of vocalizations reported to be vitally important in the context of mother–infant communications. However, how cubs, 0–15 days old, communicate with their mothers to elicit maternal care remains unknown. We analyzed 12 different call parameters of 3475 squawks, 1355 squalls, and 491 croaks from 11 captive giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) neonates from age 0 to 15 days. In playback experiments, we also tested whether mothers could detect ultrasound. Our results show that neonates use broadband calls with ultrasonic frequencies up to 65 kHz to convey information about their physiological needs and to attract maternal care. In playback experiments, we tested if mothers reacted differently to broadband calls (BBC) than to artificially altered calls that included only frequencies <20 kHz (AUDC) or calls that included only frequencies >20 kHz (USC). Playback confirmed that, although adult females responded significantly less often to USC, BBC than to or AUDC, they could detect USC, BBC and generally made appropriate behavioral responses, indicating a potential benefit for neonates to utilize ultrasonic and broadband frequencies. Our findings provide a new insight into mother–infant communication in giant pandas and will be helpful for reducing the mortality of cubs, younger than 1 month old, in captivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study integrates purely statistical methods of Mann–Kendall (MK) and Spearman rho (SMR) with statistical-graphical methods of Onyutha trend (OT) test and innovative trend analysis (ITA) to examine annual and seasonal rainfall variations at 12 stations across the Shire River Basin (SRB) during 1976–2005. The results reveal a general decreasing trend for annual rainfall throughout the basin. At seasonal scale, the following trends were observed: an increase for the December-January–February (DJF) season, especially in the southern portion of the basin; a decrease for the March–April-May (MAM) and June-July–August (JJA) seasons; and inconclusive results for the September–October-November (SON) season. Despite nearly all time series indicating consistent trend direction as established by the four tests, the ITA identified the most significant rainfall patterns on both annual and seasonal basis. The performance abilities for the MK, SMR, and OT tests demonstrated the closest agreement at the verified significant level. In addition to the monotonic trend results obtained statistically, sub-trends are visually distinguished using the graphical features of the OT and ITA approaches. For the former, changes are seen as step jumps in the mean of the data, and for the latter, trends regarding high and low rainfall clusters are evaluated, hence offering more details regarding rainfall variability, such as the SRB's sensitivity to both floods and droughts. Thus, the completely different aspects offered by the visually oriented methods complement the purely monotonic trend detection methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to quantify the morphology, composition, and asymmetry of the paravertebral extensor muscles (PSEMs) in patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) who had different modified K‐line (mK‐line) and the minimum interval between the mK‐line and OPLL (INTmin) values and to investigate the relationship between PSEMs and symptoms and outcomes following laminoplasty. These original findings elucidated that the atrophy of PSEMs could predict decompression outcomes and provided a theoretical basis for paraspinal muscle rehabilitation. Methods: A total of 94 consecutive patients who underwent laminoplasty for OPLL between January 2020 and January 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The relative cross‐sectional areas (rCSA), functional cross‐sectional areas (rFCSA), and FCSA/CSA ratio of the multifidus (MF), semispinalis cervicalis (SSCe), semispinalis capitis (SSCa), and splenius capitis (SpCa) were measured at the C3–C7 segments on cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study compared the differences between the mK‐line (+) group and the mK‐line (−) group, as well as between the INTmin <4 mm group and the INTmin ≥4 mm group, using the independent t‐test or Mann–Whitney test for continuous variables and the χ2‐test for categorical variables. The correlations between the PSEMs and symptoms were analyzed using either the Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: The relative total CSA (rTCSA) of the PSEMs, especially the MF, was significantly smaller in the mK‐line (−) group. However, the FCSA/CSA of the right deep extensor muscle (DEM) was larger. The asymmetry of the MF TFCSA/TCSA showed a significant difference between the mK‐line groups. In the INTmin <4 mm group, the PSEMs rCSA and rFCSA were significantly smaller, while the bilateral MF TFCSA/TCSA and right SSCe TFCSA/TCSA were larger. The asymmetry of the superficial extensor muscle rCSA was significantly lower in the group with INTmin <4 mm. The postoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score (mJOA) and mJOA recovery rate were positively correlated with the INTmin and DEM rCSA and negatively correlated with the asymmetry of MF FCSA/CSA. Conclusions: In patients with mK‐line (−) or INTmin <4 mm, the PSEMs were smaller, and the DEM atrophy and composition changes were predominant. The MF asymmetry was higher in patients with mK‐lines (−), whereas the SEM atrophy and asymmetry were more prevalent in patients with INTmin <4 mm. The DEM was related to the preoperative and postoperative mJOA scores. DEM‐preserving surgery or DEM‐specific rehabilitation exercises can improve the recovery of patients with OPLL during the perioperative period. In addition, attention should be paid to the evaluation of the SEM, especially the SpCa at the C3 and C5 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind-induced vibration has become increasingly prominent for long-span bridges. Flutter instability, as a type of divergent vibration, is a key component in the wind resistance investigation of long-span bridges. Based on the principle of instantaneous power balance (IPB) of the flutter critical state of bridge girders, an algorithm for predicting the flutter critical wind speed of long-span bridges was proposed by utilizing a nonlinear optimization strategy. For the bending–torsional coupling two-dimensional (2-D) motion system, the contribution of the wind-induced self-excited and structural elastic forces of the 2-D bridge section to the energy of the system was revealed to be dependent on some key parameters, such as reduced frequency, wind speed, amplitude ratio, and phase lag between vertical and torsional motions. Therefore, according to the principle of IPB during the critical flutter state, the prediction of flutter onset wind velocity can be transformed into an extreme value optimization problem of the IPB objective function. The feasibility and accuracy of the IPB algorithm were verified by comparing them with those obtained from segmental model wind tunnel tests and previous 2-D flutter prediction algorithms. Compared with the traditional methods characterized by force balance, the proposed method clearly and quantitatively presents the contribution relationship among multiple self-excited aerodynamic components on the flat plate and bridge section while flutter occurs; the method first evaluates the flutter critical state as an alternative algorithm from an energy perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiotherapy (RT) has been a classical therapeutic method of cancer for several decades. It attracts tremendous attention for the precise and efficient treatment of local tumors with stimuli‐responsive nanomaterials, which enhance RT. However, there are few systematic reviews summarizing the newly emerging stimuli‐responsive mechanisms and strategies used for tumor radio‐sensitization. Hence, this review provides a comprehensive overview of recently reported studies on stimuli‐responsive nanomaterials for radio‐sensitization. It includes four different approaches for sensitized RT, namely endogenous response, exogenous response, dual stimuli‐response, and multi stimuli‐response. Endogenous response involves various stimuli such as pH, hypoxia, GSH, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and enzymes. On the other hand, exogenous response encompasses X‐ray, light, and ultrasound. Dual stimuli‐response combines pH/enzyme, pH/ultrasound, and ROS/light. Lastly, multi stimuli‐response involves the combination of pH/ROS/GSH and X‐ray/ROS/GSH. By elaborating on these responsive mechanisms and applying them to clinical RT diagnosis and treatment, these methods can enhance radiosensitive efficiency and minimize damage to surrounding normal tissues. Finally, this review discusses the additional challenges and perspectives related to stimuli‐responsive nanomaterials for tumor radio‐sensitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We develop a moving-mesh permafrost model that contains a ground subsidence computation module to estimate the effects of ground subsidence on permafrost simulation under different warming scenarios. Including the ground subsidence process in the permafrost simulation produces only a relatively small improvement in the simulation performance of the ground temperature field, as validated by observations from two sites on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP). It is shown that ignoring ground subsidence tends to achieve a larger active layer thickness (ALT) but a smaller original thickness of permafrost that has thawed when simulating permafrost changes in a warming climate. The heat consumed by permafrost changes will be underestimated in simulations that do not consider ground subsidence. The effects that ground subsidence exerts within the permafrost simulation are clearly demonstrated under a strong warming scenario, which will influence the global energy budget. Projections indicate that the permafrost in the continuous permafrost area of the QTP may be close to the phase transition temperature to become zero thermal gradients in 2030–2040 under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, and there will be a great risk of ground subsidence by that stage. For permafrost regions with rich ground ice, the downward propagating temperature signals caused by ground subsidence are more attenuated. However, the heat calculation error will be larger in a simulation that does not consider ground subsidence there. This study quantifies the effects of ground subsidence, which can provide a better understanding of the permafrost thaw and energy budget of the QTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a new model in explicit form to predict the diameter of the jet grouting column of three popular jet grouting systems (i.e., single, double, and triple). The proposed model can quantify the uncertainty associated with the prediction. Bayesian model selection was used to determine the optimal models and, the bootstrap sampling method was adopted to avoid bias in the collected database. The predictions agree well with the measured data, and the 95% credible intervals can cover almost all the measured data on the testing dataset, which indicates the robustness of the proposed model. A simple formula combined with a table was established to facilitate the engineers in applying the proposed model. The results reveal that soil type has a significant impact on diameter prediction. Uncertainty quantification can reveal possible fluctuations in column diameter and is vital to get a cost‐efficient design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the production process of metal industrial products, the deficiencies and limitations of existing technologies and working conditions can have adverse effects on the quality of the final products, making surface defect detection particularly crucial. However, collecting a sufficient number of samples of defective products can be challenging. Therefore, treating surface defect detection as a semi-supervised problem is appropriate. In this paper, we propose a method based on a Transformer with pruned and merged multi-scale masked feature fusion. This method learns the semantic context from normal samples. We incorporate the Vision Transformer (ViT) into a generative adversarial network to jointly learn the generation in the high-dimensional image space and the inference in the latent space. We use an encoder–decoder neural network with long skip connections to capture information between shallow and deep layers. During training and testing, we design block masks of different scales to obtain rich semantic context information. Additionally, we introduce token merging (ToMe) into the ViT to improve the training speed of the model without affecting the training results. In this paper, we focus on the problems of rust, scratches, and other defects on the metal surface. We conduct various experiments on five metal industrial product datasets and the MVTec AD dataset to demonstrate the superiority of our method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiometabolic multi-morbidity (CMM) is emerging as a global healthcare challenge and a pressing public health concern worldwide. Previous studies have principally focused on identifying risk factors for individual cardiometabolic diseases, but reliable predictors of CMM have not been identified. In the present study, we aimed to characterize the relationship of triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index with the incidence of CMM. Methods: We enrolled 7,970 participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and placed them into groups according to quartile of TyG index. The endpoint of interest was CMM, defined as the presence of at least two of the following: stroke, heart disease, and diabetes mellitus. Cox regression models and multivariable-adjusted restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves were used to evaluate the relationship between TyG index and CMM. Results: In total, 638 (8.01%) incident cases of CMM were recorded among the participants who did not have CMM at baseline (2011) during a median follow-up of 84 months (interquartile range, 20‒87 months). The incidences of CMM for the participants in quartiles (Q) 1–4 of TyG index were 4.22%, 6.12%, 8.78%, and 12.60%, respectively. A fully adjusted Cox model showed that TyG index was closely associated with the incidence of CMM: the hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] for each 1.0-unit increment in TyG index for CMM was 1.54 (1.29–1.84); and the HRs (95% CIs) for Q3 and Q4 (Q1 as reference) of the TyG index for CMM were 1.41 (1.05–1.90) and 1.61 (1.18–2.20), respectively. The association of TyG index with the incidence of CMM was present in almost all the subgroups, and persisted in the sensitivity analyses and additional analyses. Multivariable-adjusted RCS analysis revealed a significant dose-response relationship of TyG index with the risk of CMM (overall P < 0.001; non-linear P = 0.129). Conclusions: We found that a high TyG index is associated with a higher risk of incident CMM. This finding may have significance for clinical practice and facilitate the creation of a personalized prevention strategy that involves monitoring the TyG index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aeroelastic instability and buffeting are two wind-induced phenomena for long-span bridges. In the traditional method, aeroelastic instability and buffeting are analyzed separately. If geometric and aerodynamic nonlinearity are required, aeroelastic instability is normally calculated based on finite-element methods, and buffeting is carried out based on linearization of structural and aerodynamic nonlinearity. Then, the standard frequency-domain methods are utilized on the eigenvalue decomposition. However, for ultralong-span bridges, aerostatic deformation, aeroelasticity, and buffeting are strongly coupled. During buffeting, the bridge deck pitching will change both structural stiffness and aerodynamic loads; therefore, the nonlinearity should be included in the long-span bridge buffeting analysis. This paper establishes a reduced-order modeling procedure to simulate the wind-induced buffeting vibration for long-span bridges including the nonlinear aeroelasticity and buffeting force. First, the mode-based vibration formulas are derived to consider both structural and aerodynamic nonlinearity through polynomial expansion. Next, the numerically simulated turbulence is imported into the vibration governing equation, and the structural response can be calculated using the time-domain integration method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a model to predict the residual shear capacity of RAC beams with corroded stirrups was established, and the simulation analysis was conducted on recycled concrete beams with different corrosion level using ANSYS. The reliability of the finite element analysis model was verified by comparing the finite element results with experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Weihe Basin, situated in the central part of Shaanxi Province between the Qinling and Weibei Mountains, falls under the influence of the Asian monsoon system. The basin's thick and continuous Cenozoic sedimentary layers offer a valuable repository for investigating environmental changes within a typical monsoon climate. Based on previous chronological research, our study delved into the microcharcoal concentration (MCC) of the samples extracted from Bahe Formation. This analysis aimed to reconstruct the paleo-fire and drought history during the late Miocene, shedding light on the region's evolutionary trajectory. Our findings unveil five distinct peaks in the microcharcoal record, occurring at approximately 9.9–9.7 million years ago (Ma), ∼9.5 Ma, ∼8.1 Ma, ∼7.6 Ma, and 7.4–7.2 Ma. These peaks signify high-frequency fire events, primarily taking place during periods of aridity. The combustion of broadleaved and coniferous trees was the predominant source of fuel for fires during 9.9–9.7 Ma, ∼9.5 Ma and ∼8.1 Ma, with elevated temperatures acting as the principal ignition catalyst. In contrast, the subsequent two fire events (∼7.6 Ma, and 7.4–7.2 Ma) coincided with drier climatic conditions, featuring xerophytic herbs s as the primary biomass. Drought emerged as the pivotal driving force behind these fire occurrences in this phase. The microcharcoal records of the Bahe Formation reveal a noteworthy pattern: the MCC during the latter two periods surpassed that of the initial three, indicating an escalated frequency of fires during dry intervals. This trend signifies a transition towards a dry and cold climate post ∼8.0 Ma. The expansion of grasslands and the occurrence of drought events since the late Miocene (∼8.0 Ma) can be attributed to the weakening of the Asian Monsoon. In summary, our investigation of microcharcoal concentration in the Bahe Formation provides valuable insights into the late Miocene paleo-fire and drought dynamics. By deciphering the interplay between vegetation, climate, and fire occurrences, our study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the environmental evolution within the Weihe Basin under the influence of the Asian monsoon system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep-learning methods have made significant progress for salient object detection in optical remote sensing images (ORSI-SOD). However, it is difficult for existing methods to effectively exploit both the multi-scale global context and local detail features due to the cluttered background and different scales that characterize ORSIs. To solve the problem, we propose a transformer and convolution mixed network (TCM-Net), with a U-shaped codec architecture for ORSI-SOD. By using a dual-path complementary network, we obtain both the global context and local detail information from the ORSIs of different resolution. A local and global features fusion module was developed to integrate the information at corresponding decoder layers. Furthermore, an attention gate module was designed to refine features while suppressing noise at each decoder layer. Finally, we tailored a hybrid loss function to our network structure, which incorporates three supervision strategies: global, local and output. Extensive experiments were conducted on three common datasets, and TCM-Net outperforms 17 state-of-the-art methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deep network model relies on sufficient training samples to achieve superior processing performance, which limits its application in hyperspectral image (HSI) classification. In order to perform HSI classification with noisy labels, a robust weakly supervised feature learning (WSFL) architecture combined with multi-model attention is proposed. Specifically, the input noisy labeled data are first subjected to multiple groups of residual spectral attention models and multi-granularity residual spatial attention models, enabling WSFL to refine and optimize the extracted spectral and spatial features, with a focus on extracting clean samples information and reducing the model's dependence on labels. Finally, the fused and optimized spectral-spatial features are mapped to the multilayer perceptron (MLP) classifier to increase the constraint of the model on the noisy samples. The experimental results on public datasets, including Pavia Center, WHU-Hi LongKou, and HangZhou, show that WSFL is better at classifying noise labels than excellent models such as spectral-spatial residual network (SSRN) and dual channel residual network (DCRN). On Hangzhou dataset, the classification accuracy of WSFL is superior to DCRN by 6.02% and SSRN by 7.85%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 0.05% cyclosporine eye drops (II) for the treatment of primary Sjögren's syndrome-associated dry eye (PSSDE). Sixty patients with PSSDE were randomly divided into three groups, received treatment with 0.05% cyclosporine (C group), artificial tears (S group) or their combination (CS group). The evaluation indicators were evaluated at baseline and at weeks 2, 4 and 12. The symptoms of C and CS groups were reduced significantly. The signs [schirmer I test (F = 4.838, p =.011), ocular staining score (F = 7.961, p =.001) and tear break-up time (F = 9.283, p <.001)] were significantly different between S and C groups as well as S and CS groups. The tear meniscus height (F = 3.197, p =.048) was significantly different between S and CS groups. No serious adverse events occurred. 0.05% cyclosporine is an effective and safe treatment for patients with PSSDE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmland soil is an important source of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O), and soil nitrification and denitrification are key processes affecting N2O production. In this study, the acidic soil of a pomelo orchard was used to investigate the effects of a bamboo-biochar-based fertilizer (BB) on soil N2O emissions and nitrifier and denitrifier communities. In this study, five treatments, namely, CK (no urea and BB), N (0.72 g·kg−1 urea), 5BB+N (0.72 g·kg−1 urea plus 5 g·kg−1 BB), 10BB+N (0.72 g·kg−1 urea plus 10 g·kg−1 BB), and 20BB+N (0.72 g·kg−1 urea plus 20 g·kg−1 BB) were applied to the acidic soil of a pomelo orchard. The nitrification (AOA-amoA, AOB-amoA) and denitrification (nirS, nirK, nosZ) gene copy numbers were analyzed by qPCR, and their community diversities were determined by Illumina MiSeq sequencing. The results showed that N treatment significantly promoted soil N2O emissions compared with CK, while all BB+N treatments significantly inhibited soil N2O emissions compared with N treatment. BB fertilizer promoted soil nitrification, alleviated the adverse effects from N fertilizer inputs on the AOA-amoA gene copy numbers and community diversity, and restored the AOA-amoA diversity to the initial level. BB had a strong effect on Crenarchaeota (AOA-amoA) and Nitrosospira (AOB-amoA). BB significantly promoted the denitrification gene copy numbers; increased nirS and nirK community diversity; particularly affected the relative abundance of denitrifiers such as Nonomuraea (nirS), Proteobacteria (nirK), and Rhodanobacter (nosZ); and, finally, reduced N2O emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irrigation has excellent potential for altering surface characteristics and the local climate. Although studies using site observations or remote sensing data have demonstrated an irrigation cooling effect (ICE) on the air temperature (Tem) and land surface temperature (LST), it is difficult to eliminate other stress factors due to different backgrounds. We characterized the irrigation effect as the differences (Δ) of LST and DCT (DCT = LST − Tem) between irrigated and adjacent non-irrigated areas. An improved method was proposed to detect it over the North China Plain (NCP) based on satellite observations. We also investigated the effects of irrigation on Tem, precipitation, NDVI, and ET, and explored the relationships between them. The results show that irrigation induced a decrease in the daytime/nighttime LST and DCT (−0.13/−0.09 and −0.14/−0.07 °C yr−1), Tem (−0.023 °C in spring), and precipitation (−1.461 mm yr−1), and an increase in NDVI (0.03 in spring) and ET (0.289 mm yr−1) across the NCP. The effect on nighttime LST and NDVI increased by 0.04 °C 10 yr−1 and 0.003 10 yr−1, and that on ET weakened by 0.23 mm 10 yr−1 during 2000–2015. The ICE on the LST had evident spatiotemporal heterogeneity, which was greater in the daytime, in the spring, and in the northern area of the NCP (dry–hot conditions). The daytime ICE in the NCP and northern NCP was 0.37 and 0.50 °C during spring, respectively, with the strongest ICE of 0.60 °C in Henan; however, the ICE was less evident (<0.1 °C) in the southern NCP throughout the year. The ΔNDVI, ΔET, and ΔTem were the main factors driving ICE, explaining approximatively 22%, 45%, and 25% of the daytime ICE, respectively. For every unit of these measures that was increased, the daytime ICE increased by about 7.3, 4.6, and 1.5 °C, respectively. This study highlights the broad irrigation effect on LST, ET, NDVI, and the climate, and provides important information for predicting climate change in the future. The improved method is more suitable for regions with uneven terrain and a varying climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As consumers demand ever-higher quality standards for agricultural products, the inspection of such goods has become an integral component of the agricultural production process. Unfortunately, traditional testing methods necessitate the deployment of numerous bulky machines and cannot accurately determine the quality of produce prior to harvest. In recent years, with the advancement of soft robot technology, stretchable electronic technology, and material science, integrating flexible plant wearable sensors on soft end-effectors has been considered an attractive solution to these problems. This paper critically reviews soft end-effectors, selecting the appropriate drive mode according to the challenges and application scenarios in agriculture: electrically driven, fluid power, and smart material actuators. In addition, a presentation of various sensors installed on soft end-effectors specifically designed for agricultural applications is provided. These sensors include strain, temperature, humidity, and chemical sensors. Lastly, an in-depth analysis is conducted on the significance of implementing soft end-effectors in agriculture as well as the potential opportunities and challenges that will arise in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prognostic value of lipoprotein (Lp) (a) in patients who have suffered from coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been fully studied, and the results are inconsistent. This study was conducted to evaluate whether increased Lp(a) concentrations cause differences in clinical adverse outcomes in patients with psoriasis who have already suffered from CAD. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with psoriasis and CAD between January 2017 and May 2022 in our hospital. The clinical records were collected, and comparisons were made between patients in the low Lp(a) and high Lp(a) groups. Cox proportional hazard analysis and log-rank tests were used to evaluate the association between variables. Results: Among 295 patients, 148 patients were in the low Lp(a) group, and 147 were in the high Lp(a) group. These two groups did not differ significantly in age, gender or body mass index. Compared with the low Lp(a) group, the levels of platelet counts (P = 0.038) and high sensitivity C reactive protein (P = 0.012) were higher in the high Lp(a) group. Patients in the high Lp(a) group had higher total cholesterol levels (P = 0.029) and lower triglyceride levels (P = 0.037). Among the whole cohort, clinical adverse events were not correlated with Lp(a) concentrations after a median follow-up of 3 years. However, in the subgroup analysis, there were significant differences in all-cause death (log rank P = 0.036) and rehospitalization (log rank P = 0.037) between the two groups in patients with diabetes; a difference in rehospitalization (log rank P = 0.042) was also found between the two groups in men. Conclusions: In patients with psoriasis and CAD, high levels of Lp(a) were related to a poor prognosis, especially in patients with diabetes and in men. These results will provide valuable information for the risk stratification of patients with psoriasis and CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-synoptic winds, such as typhoons and downbursts, are frequently characterized by shear flow associated with turbulence, which affects the aerodynamic performance of long-span bridges. To reveal the aerodynamic characteristics of streamlined box girders under non-synoptic winds, multi-fan wind tunnel (MFWT) tests were used to investigate the aerodynamic effect around a streamlined box girder considering the action of shear flow with different velocity gradients, turbulence intensities, and integral scales. In the MFWT tests, the high shear rate and large turbulence intensity were observed to magnify the mean wind pressure coefficient, whereas the variation in the turbulence integral scale had a slight effect on the mean wind pressure coefficient distribution. An increase in the shear rate was observed to be beneficial in reducing the drag and moment coefficients, as well as in increasing the lift coefficient. The empirical aerodynamic prediction relationships revealed that the influence of turbulence intensity on the aerodynamic coefficient is non-linear, whereas that of the turbulence integral scale and shear rate on the aerodynamic coefficient is linear. Additionally, the large eddy simulation (LES) method was used to study the vortex-shedding behaviors and aerodynamic spectrum characteristics of the streamlined box girder under shear flow. The LES results showed that larger shear parameters amplify the amplitudes of high-frequency aerodynamic forces. The vortex frequently begins from the low-velocity side of the streamlined box girder, which induces a suction effect on the low-velocity side that is greater than that on the high-velocity side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal myeloid haemopathies mainly affecting elderly subjects. The recently updated international classifications of the World Health Organisation and the International Consensus Classification now distinguish MDS on the basis of cytological abnormalities (excess blasts) and their genetic profile. Prognostic stratification of patients is essential to guide therapeutic management, the aim of which is to improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with low-risk MDS, or to slow leukaemic transformation in high-risk patients. Therapeutic options have evolved in recent years, with the appearance of new compounds that have obtained marketing authorisation (luspatercept), and other promising targeted therapies (isocitrate dehydrogenase inhibitor, venetoclax), the development of which has been based on a better understanding of the biology of MDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Kidney transplant (KT) recipients have a high prevalence and severity of gout. Pegloticase (pegylated recombinant uricase) rapidly metabolizes serum uric acid (sUA), and its efficacy is not impacted by kidney function. Methods: This open‐label, Phase 4 trial (PROTECT NCT04087720) examined safety and efficacy of pegloticase in 20 participants with KT > 1 year prior to enrollment and with uncontrolled gout (sUA ≥7 mg/dL, intolerance/inefficacy to urate lowering therapy, and ≥1 of the following: tophi, chronic gouty arthritis, ≥2 flares in past year) and functioning KT (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] ≥15 mL/min/1.73 m2) on stable immunosuppression therapy. Results: The primary endpoint was sUA response during month 6 (sUA < 6 mg/dL for ≥80% of time). The study enrolled 20 participants (mean ± SD); age: 53.9 ± 10.9 years, time since KT: 14.7 ± 6.9 years, sUA: 9.4 ± 1.5 mg/dL, gout duration: 8.4 ± 11.6 years; all on ≥2 stable doses of immunosuppression agents. Pegloticase (8 mg intravenous every 2 weeks) in KT recipients with uncontrolled gout showed a high response rate of 89% (16/18 responders). Two participants discontinued treatment solely due to COVID‐19 concerns prior to month 6 were not included in the primary analysis. Pegloticase exposures were higher than those historically observed with pegloticase monotherapy, and no anaphylaxis or infusion reaction events occurred during the study. Conclusions: This improved response rate to pegloticase in the KT population reflects observations from other trials and reports on immunomodulation with pegloticase. As the KT population has a high prevalence of gout and limitations with oral urate lowering medication options, these findings suggest a potential option for uncontrolled gout therapy in KT participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Integration of chalcogenide phase-change materials (PCMs) with planar multilayer structures, metasurfaces, waveguides and photonic integrated circuits has sparked extensive research in non-volatile tunable optical devices. The optical performances of these devices are determined not only by the light interference or localization using layered or patterned device structures, but also by the change in dielectric function of PCMs upon phase transition. In this review, we summarize latest progress on high-performance tunable optical PCM devices, which are promoted by the successful designs of both new materials and novel device structures. First, we present an in-depth understanding of the optical properties of PCMs at the atomic level and discuss how to tailor the optical properties via materials design. Then we discuss multiple emerging non-volatile optical applications utilizing the tunable transmission, color, absorption, emission and phase shift of PCM optical devices that are enabled by waveguide integration, multilayer deposition as well as metasurface patterning. Recent progress on microheater fabrication that enables electronic-photonic integration is also highlighted. Finally, we outline the opportunities that lie ahead for optical PCMs and non-volatile nanophotonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) connects everything with intelligence, while the increase in energy consumption generated by numerous electronic devices puts forward an impending demand on the power supply. Energy harvesting technology has emerged as a compelling innovation technology for the net zero emissions of the power supply for the AIoT. Although significant advances have been witnessed in energy harvesting, some issues such as poor electrical output, weak environmental adaptability, and low reliability are difficult to satisfactorily resolve. Mechanical intelligent energy harvesting can be defined as the system identifying the external excitation or its own state and reacting to it, rather than relying on electrical sensing elements or a central controller for certain adaptive or programmed functions. The adaptive and programmed functions exhibit great potential in solving the above‐mentioned issues that seriously restrict the development of the energy harvesting technology. Here, a generalized definition of mechanical intelligent energy harvesting is given critically and the design methodology is elaborated. The typical reported energy harvesting systems with the characteristics of mechanical intelligence are reviewed. The key research directions in mechanical intelligent energy harvesting are discussed. The mechanical intelligence is expected to revolutionize the development of the energy‐harvesting technology and pave the way for applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non-stationarity of the realistic wind velocity field strongly influences wind effects on structures. Related research studies are limited, as it is difficult to simulate non-stationary wind velocity fields using wind tunnel model tests and numerical simulations. In this paper, wind effects on a 167 m high cooling tower in velocity fields of different non-stationary levels are investigated based on a full-scale measurement campaign. First, numerical analyses are employed to identify the quasi-steady region on circular cylindrical structures. Second, wind velocity samples are extracted from the full-scale wind pressure samples measured in the quasi-steady region on the actual large cooling tower, and quantitatively evaluated for their non-stationary levels using a wavelet packet transform-based indicator. Third, effects of the non-stationarity of the velocity field on wind loads on the large cooling tower are revealed based on different non-stationarity cases. Through these works, it is found that the non-stationary level of the wind velocity field largely influences wind effects on the cooling tower in most cases, and the wind effects obtained in a velocity field of high non-stationarity are generally more unfavourable than those obtained in a velocity field of low non-stationarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black-bone fowl are different from ordinary broilers in appearance and are considered to have rich nutritional properties. However, the metabolism of therapeutic drugs in black-bone fowl remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the tissue residue depletion kinetics of trimethoprim and sulfachloropyridazine in Yugan black-bone fowl, after daily oral administrations for 5 days at 4 mg/kg bw/day trimethoprim and 20 mg/kg bw/day sulfachloropyridazine, and to calculate the withdrawal times. After consecutive oral administrations, the tissues (liver, kidney, muscle and skin/fat) were collected at each of the following time points (0.16, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 20, 30 and 40 days). A newly-devised LC-MS/MS method was used to analyse the concentrations of trimethoprim and sulfachlorpyridazine in target tissues. The results showed that sulfachloropyridazine was rapidly metabolised in broilers, and there was no residue in all tissues 3 days post-administration. The concentration of trimethoprim in black-bone fowl skin/fat is the highest, and its metabolism rate is low. After 40 days, the concentration of trimethoprim in skin/fat is still as high as 140.1 ± 58.0 μg/kg, exceeding the maximum residue limit. In order to protect consumers' health, it is suggested that the withdrawal time of TMP in Yugan black-bone fowl is 69 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The AMPK panel in Fig 5A [[1]] is incorrect as it presents an inadvertent duplication of the AMPK panel in Fig 5D. Correction: STAT3 balances myocyte hypertrophy vis-à-vis autophagy in response to Angiotensin II by modulating the AMPK /mTOR axis Quantitative data underlying Fig 5B, 5C, 5E and 5F. (XLSX) Reference 1 Chen L, Zhao L, Samanta A, Mahmoudi SM, Buehler T, Cantilena A, et al. (2017) STAT3 balances myocyte hypertrophy vis-à-vis autophagy in response to Angiotensin II by modulating the AMPK /mTOR axis. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Abdominal obesity has long been considered as a crucial risk factor of stroke. Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI), a novel surrogate indicator of abdominal obesity, has been confirmed as a better predictor for coronary heart disease than other indicators in Asian population. However, the data on the relationship of CVAI with stroke is limited. The objective of our study is evaluating the relationship between CVAI and stroke incidence. Methods: In the present study, we enrolled 7242 middle-aged and elderly residents from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and placed them into groups according to quartile of CVAI. The outcome of interest was stroke. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to estimate the cumulative incidences of stroke. Cox regression analyses and multivariable-adjusted restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves were performed to evaluate the relationship between CVAI and incident stroke. Multiple sensitivity analyses and subgroups analyses were performed to test the robustness of the findings. Results: During a median 84 months of follow-up, 612 (8.45%) participants experienced incident stroke, and the incidences of stroke for participants in quartiles (Q) 1–4 of CVAI were 4.42%, 7.29%, 9.06% and 13.04%, respectively. In the fully adjusted model, per 1.0-SD increment in CVAI has a significant increased risk of incident stroke: hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] was 1.17 (1.07–1.28); compared with participants in Q1 of CVAI, the HRs (95% CI) of incident stroke among those in Q2–4 were 1.47 (1.10–1.95), 1.62 (1.22–2.15), and 1.70 (1.28–2.27), respectively. Subgroups analyses suggested the positive association was significant in male participants, without diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. The findings were robust in all the sensitivity analyses. Additional, RCS curves showed a significant dose-response relationship of CVAI with risk of incident stroke (P for non-linear trend = 0.319). Conclusion: Increased CVAI is significantly associated with higher risk of stroke incidence, especially in male individuals, without hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. The findings suggest that baseline CVAI is a reliable and effective biomarker for risk stratification of stroke, which has far-reaching significance for primary prevention of stroke and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Various neurologic complications of hyperthyroidism are reported, and most of these complications are reversible with the amelioration of thyrotoxicosis. We report a previously undescribed concurrence of hyperthyroid-associated exercise-induced myalgia and stiffness, pyramidal tract dysfunction, and myoclonic movements that make an initial clinical diagnosis difficult. Case presentation: A 17-year-old male was hospitalized in the department of neurology, presenting with a 4-year history of severe exercise-induced myalgia and stiffness, weakness of lower limbs, and myoclonic movements. Laboratory investigations unexpectedly revealed hyperthyroidism. MRI of the brain and spine, electrophysiology, and whole exome sequencing were also performed. Antithyroid therapy led to marked improvement of neurologic symptoms, accompanied by a significant improvement of the time-dependent decline in compound muscle action potentials (CMAP) amplitudes after exercise and normalization of the prolonged QTc interval. Genetic analysis identified a rare variant in SCN5A. Conclusion: This case report provides important insights into the relationship between hyperthyroidism and neurologic/cardiac complications, particularly in those with a genetic predisposition. SCN5A mutation possibly plays a role in the complex neurological syndrome associated with hyperthyroidism. Further studies are warranted to better understand the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic options for these complex conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate prognostic factors in patients with primary skull base chordoma (PSBC) to guide future therapeutic advances. This retrospective cohort study of 94 PSBC patients was conducted in 2 institutions from January 2006 to December 2013. Independent predictors for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were established with multivariate Cox regression analysis. Age (P = 0.006), extent of resection (P = 0.037), and radiotherapy (RT) (P = 0.027) were established as independent predictors for PFS in PSBC patients. Similarly, age (P = 0.002), extent of resection (P = 0.048), and RT (P = 0.015) were established as independent predictors for overall survival. Meta-analysis manifested that lower MIB-1 correlated with longer PFS in skull base chordoma patients (P < 0.001). RT doubled the 5-year PFS rate from 28.6 ± 12.1% to 61.6 ± 10.7% (P = 0.031) and increased the 5-year overall survival rate from 54.5 ± 13.8% to 84.2 ± 8.4% (P = 0.020) in the subtotal resection/partial resection and MIB-1 labeling index (STR/PR+MIB-1 LI) <2% subgroup. In contrast, in the STR/PR+MIB-1 LI ≥2% subgroup, the survival benefit of RT remained uncertain. Further analysis revealed no survival difference between different RT modalities in STR/PR PSBC patients. In PSBC patients, age, extent of resection, and adjuvant RT all are independent predictors for PFS. Lower MIB-1 LI is associated with longer PFS in PSBC patients. Adjuvant RT is necessary for PSBC patients who undergo STR/PR with MIB-1 LI <2%. Patients who undergo GTR or STR/PR with MIB-1 LI ≥2% seem nonresponsive to RT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study on CO2 gasification behavior helps to promote the clean and efficient utilization of high-alkali fuels. The high-alkali fuels feature high contents of alkali metals, and sometimes they are also rich in alkali earth metals and iron. Though the influences of minerals on gasification characteristics have been extensively studied, few researchers have selected minerals based on the ash composition of high-alkali fuel. Moreover, the complex interactions among minerals could lead to inaccurate conclusions. In this paper, the CO2 gasification behavior of chars originated from one high-alkali biomass and three high-alkali coals was studied. The effects of principal minerals related to the high-alkali fuels, which were determined through the new plasma ashing method and traditional muffle ashing method, were also further evaluated via synthetic coal char. The synthetic coal char was free from any intrinsic minerals. The results indicate that the gasification reactivities of chars from high-alkali fuels are positively associated with the reaction temperature (900–1200 °C). The biomass char possesses the highest gasification reactivity, and three coal char samples are inferior to various degrees. The related chemicals offer their catalytic activities at 1000 °C in the sequence of K/Na-containing chemicals > Fe-containing chemicals > Ca-containing chemicals. The shrinking core model (SCM) and two-dimensional growth of nuclei model (2DGM) were chosen to conduct the kinetic analysis. The reaction constants of chars from different high-alkali fuels agree with their gasification behavior. Generally, the 2DGM is more suitable than SCM to predict the conversion of selected char samples. In most cases, the additions of chemicals increase the reaction constants. When Fe2O3 and CaCO3 are added into synthetic coal char, the SCM is more accurate to describe the gasification behavior at 900 °C, but the addition of Na2SO4 makes the 2DGM a better one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-GNSS PPP partial ambiguity resolution (PAR) can improve the fixing success rate and shorten the time to first fix (TTFF). Ambiguity subset selection based on the bootstrapping success rate sorting criterion (BSSC) is widely used in PPP PAR due to its ease of computation and comprehensive evaluation of the global quality of ambiguity solutions. However, due to the influence of unmodeled errors, such as atmospheric residuals and gross errors, ambiguity parameter estimation will inevitably introduce bias. For ambiguity parameters with bias, their variance will converge incorrectly and will not accurately reflect the estimation accuracy. As a result, the selected ambiguity subset based on the BSSC becomes inaccurate, affecting the fixing success rate and TTFF. Therefore, we proposed an improved multi-GNSS PPP PAR method based on a two-step sorting criterion (TSSC). This method aims to address the influence of inaccurate variance of ambiguity parameters, particularly those with low observation quality, on the ambiguity subset selection based on the BSSC. The ambiguity subset satisfying the preset success rate threshold is selected to reduce the influence of unconverged ambiguity on the TSSC. In the first step of the sorting process, the observations whose elevation angle is below 30° or whose posterior residual falls into the IGG3 model reduction domain are clustered together. The posterior observation weight criterion (POWC) instead of the BSSC is adopted to sort ambiguities to overcome the false convergence of variance of ambiguity parameters. In the second step of the sorting process, the remaining ambiguities with reasonable variances are sorted based on the BSSC. Finally, the bottom ambiguity is removed one by one from the ambiguity subset sorted based on the two-step sorting criterion (TSSC) until the requirements of the ratio test for LAMBDA are met. The static data from 10 MGEX stations over a period of 30 days, along with urban kinematic data, were collected to validate the proposed method. Compared with the PAR based on the BSSC, the static experiments demonstrated a reduction of 8.7% and 16.8% in the TTFF and convergence time, respectively. Additionally, the positioning accuracy in the east, north, and up directions was improved by 20.1%, 17.1%, and 4.67%, respectively. Furthermore, the kinematic experiment revealed that the TTFF and convergence time decreased from 1.65 min and 10.5 min to 1.3 min and 1.8 min, respectively, with higher positioning accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the demand for sustainable development, a lot of attention has been received by eco-friendly lead-free KNN based ceramics. Although a series of breakthroughs have been achieved in their electric properties, their poor temperature stability still hinders their practical application. A KNN-based ceramic of (1- x)K 0·54 Na 0·46 NbO 3 - x Bi 0.5 Na 0·5 ZrO 3 (KNN- x BNZ) was designed to solve the issue of temperature-dependent degradation while taking advantage of the synergistic effect at the ferroelectric-to-relaxor cross region. A mixed-phase boundary, including tetragonal and pseudocubic phases, is observed in all samples, and the dominant phase structure gradually transforms from a tetragonal phase to a pseudocubic phase as BNZ increases. A favorable strain performance (strain ≥0.08%, and temperature stability ≥95.35%) is observed at the temperature range of 20–180 °C, profiting from the synergistic effect at the ferroelectric-to-relaxor cross region at x = 0.08. It is superior or comparable to some typical NN-based, KNN-based, and PZT-based materials regardless of the driving electric field. These results would shed light on the future work of achieving excellent comprehensive performance in KNN-based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) has been confirmed that getting involved in the pathophysiological process of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Recently, increasing evidence suggests metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR), triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio, triglyceride and glucose (TyG) index, triglyceride glucose-body mass (TyG-BMI) index are simple and reliable surrogates for IR. However, their abilities in predicting cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are not well explored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association and evaluate the predictive performance of each index. Methods: A total of 2533 consecutive participants undergoing PCI were included in this study, and the data from 1461 patients were used to determine the correlation of these non-insulin-based IR indices with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) via performing the multivariate logistic models and restricted cubic splines (RCS). Results: During a median of 29.8 months follow-up, 195 cases of 1461 patients experienced incident MACCEs. In the overall population, both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated no statistically significant connection between these IR indices and MACCEs. Subgroup analyses revealed significant interactions between age subgroups and TyG-BMI index, as well as METS-IR, and between sex subgroups and TyG index. In elderly patients, per 1.0-SD increment in TyG-BMI index and METS-IR had a significant association with MACCEs, with odds ratios (ORs) [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 1.24 (1.02–1.50) and 1.27 (1.04–1.56), respectively (both P < 0.05). Moreover, in female patients, all the IR indices showed significant associations with MACCEs. Multivariable-adjusted RCS curves demonstrated a linear relationship between METS-IR and MACCEs in elderly and female patients, respectively. However, all the IR indices failed to enhance the predictive performance of the basic risk model for MACCEs. Conclusion: All the four IR indices showed a significant association with MACCEs in female individuals, whereas only TyG-BMI index and METS-IR showed associations in elderly patients. Although the inclusion of these IR indices did not improve the predictive power of basic risk model in either female or elderly patients, METS-IR appears to be the most promising index for secondary prevention of MACCEs and risk stratification in patients undergoing PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The source region of the Yellow River (SRYR) is situated on the permafrost boundary in the northeast of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), which is an area highly sensitive to climate change. As a result of increasing global temperatures, the permafrost in this region has undergone significant degradation. In this study, we utilized Sentinel-1 to obtain ground surface deformation data in the SRYR from June 2017 to January 2022. We then analyzed the differences in terrain deformation under various environmental conditions. Our findings indicated an overall subsidence trend in the SRYR, with a long-term deformation velocity of −4.2 mm/a and seasonal deformation of 8.85 mm. Furthermore, the results showed that terrain deformation varied considerably from region to region, and that the Huanghe' yan sub-basin with the highest permafrost coverage among all sub-basins significantly higher subsidence rates than other regions. Topography strongly influenced ground surface deformation, with flat slopes exhibiting much higher subsidence rates and seasonal deformation. Moreover, the ground temperature and ground ice richness played a certain role in the deformation pattern. This study also analyzed regional deformation details from eight boreholes and one profile line covering different surface conditions, revealing the potential for refining the permafrost boundary. Overall, the results of this study provide valuable insights into the evolution of permafrost in the SRYR region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusion tag technology is an important tool for rapid separation, purification, and characterization of proteins. Combined with monoclonal antibodies, tag epitope systems can be rapidly adapted to many assay systems. A monoclonal antibody that reacts with the matrix protein of the rabies virus CVS-11 strain was reported. The epitope (termed M) targeted by this antibody contains only six amino acids. We examine whether this specific sequence epitope can be applied as a protein tag. We show ectopic expression of M-tagged proteins has little impact on cell viability or major signaling pathways. The M tag system can be used for western blotting, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry assays. The results indicate the specificity, sensitivity, and versatility of this novel epitope tag system are comparable to the widely used FLAG tag system, providing researchers with an additional tool for molecular analysis. Key points: • A short peptide (Pro Pro Tyr Asp Asp Asp) can be applied as a new tag. • The new epitope-tagging fusion system has no effect on the main cellular signaling pathway. • The epitope-tagging fusion system can be widely used for western blotting, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]