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In this study, we report giant nonreciprocal transmission of shear-horizontal surface acoustic waves (SH-SAWs) in a ferromagnetic bilayer structure with negative–positive magnetostriction configuration. Although the directions of magnetization in the neighboring layers are parallel, SH-SAWs can excite optical-mode spin waves (SWs) via magnetoelastic coupling at relatively low frequencies, which is much stronger than acoustic-mode SWs at high frequencies. The measured magnitude nonreciprocity or isolation of SH-SAWs exceeds 40 dB (or 80 dB/mm) at 2.333 GHz. In addition, maximum nonreciprocal phase accumulation reaches 188° (376°/mm). Our theoretical model and calculations provide an insight into the observed phenomena and demonstrate a pathway for further improving nonreciprocal acoustic devices toward highly compact microwave isolators and circulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study financial effects of remote product delivery in the healthcare industry. Exploiting staggered law adoption for identification, we find that telehealth provision redistributes hospital operations and access to capital away from rural communities. As urban telehealth providers acquire rural patients, rural hospitals experience decreased revenue and profit, credit rating downgrades, increased cost of capital, and ultimately risk of closure. Although telehealth reduces travel costs, some communities lose access to acute care. Overall, we conclude that remote healthcare services have financial consequences as well as real effects, and their benefits are unequally distributed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent experiments on α-MoB2 with MgB2-type structure achieved superconductivity at ∼32 K under 90 GPa, the highest among transition-metal diborides, rekindling interest in their superconducting properties. Our study systematically investigates the band structures of AlB2-type transition metal diborides. We found that the superior superconductivity of MoB2, WB2, and TcB2 correlates with their von Hove singularities near the Fermi level (EF), potentially linked to electron–phonon coupling. These three diborides exhibit similar critical temperature (Tc) trends under pressure: rising initially, peaking around 60 GPa, and then declining. While unstable at ambient pressure, their thermodynamic and dynamical stability limits vary significantly, possibly explaining experimental discrepancies. To stabilize MoB2 at ambient pressure, we designed MoXB4 compounds (X = other transition metals) by substituting every other Mo layer in MoB2 with an X layer. This modification aims to stabilize the structure and enhance superconductivity by reducing d-electron concentration at EF. This principle extends to other potential superconducting diborides, such as WB2 and TcB2. Using Nb as an example, we found that Nb atoms in AlB2-type MoNbB4 may exhibit random occupancy, potentially explaining disparities between theoretical predictions and experimental results. Our study offers valuable insights into superconductivity in transition metal diborides, paving the way for future research and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase field modeling and computer simulations were conducted to uncover the fundamental mechanism behind the peak in damping capacity observed in BaTiO3-reinforced composites, considering both insulating and conductive cases. The damping capacity curve obtained from these simulations, which varies with temperature, reveals dual peaks near Tc for both cases. The first peak, labeled Peak I, occurs below Tc and is attributed to temperature-induced domain reorientation. The second peak, labeled Peak II, occurs above Tc and arises from stress-induced phase transitions between paraelastic and ferroelastic states. This transition results in a double-loop strain–stress hysteresis, akin to the polarization-field hysteresis observed in ferroelectric systems at and above Tc. Between Peak I and Peak II, there is a dip in damping capacity just below Tc, caused by the diminished ferroelasticity of BaTiO3 particles near this critical temperature. In composite materials, the dual peaks merge into a single peak due to the heterogeneous nature of Tc, influenced by various factors that either raise or lower Tc. This convergence aligns with experimental observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topological materials have shown promising potential in the spintronics application due to their conspicuous efficiency of charge-to-spin conversion. Our research investigates the temperature-dependent spin–orbit torque (SOT) from sputtered WTex. We reveal a strong temperature dependence of SOT and realize the current-induced SOT switching of WTex with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy structure under a wide range of 12 K to room temperature. Our findings reveal the temperature dependence of sputtered WTex and may pave the way for the spintronics application of semimetals under cryogenic temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The theory-led prediction of LaBeH8, which has a high superconducting critical temperature (Tc) above liquid nitrogen under a pressure level below 1 Mbar, has been experimentally confirmed. YBeH8, which has a structural configuration similar to that of LaBeH8, has also been predicted to be a high-temperature superconductor at high pressure. In this study, we focus on the structural phase transition and superconductivity of YBeH8 under pressure by using first-principles calculations. Except for the known face-centered cubic phase of Fm 3 ̄ m, we found a monoclinic phase with P 1 ̄ symmetry. Moreover, the P 1 ̄ phase transforms to the Fm 3 ̄ m phase at ∼200 GPa with zero-point energy corrections. Interestingly, the P 1 ̄ phase undergoes a complex electronic phase transition from semiconductor to metal and then to superconducting states with a low Tc of 40 K at 200 GPa. The Fm 3 ̄ m phase exhibits a high Tc of 201 K at 200 GPa, and its Tc does not change significantly with pressure. When we combine the method using two coupling constants, λopt and λac, with first-principles calculations, λopt is mainly supplied by the Be–H alloy backbone, which accounts for about 85% of total λ and makes the greatest contribution to the high Tc. These insights not only contribute to a deeper understanding of the superconducting behavior of this ternary hydride but may also guide the experimental synthesis of hydrogen-rich compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been confirmed to enhance cell proliferation and improve tissue repair. Exosomes release their contents into the cytoplasmic solution of the recipient cell to mediate cell expression, which is the main pathway through which exosomes exert therapeutic effects. The corresponding process of exosome internalization mainly occurs in the early stage of treatment. However, the therapeutic effect of exosomes in the early stage remains to be further studied. We report that the three-dimensional cell traction force can intuitively reflect the ability of exosomes to enhance the cytoskeleton and cell contractility of recipient cells, serving as an effective method to characterize the therapeutic effect of exosomes. Compared with traditional biochemical methods, we can visualize the early therapeutic effect of exosomes in real time without damage by quantifying the cell traction force. Through quantitative analysis of traction forces, we found that endometrial stromal cells exhibit short-term cell roundness accompanied by greater traction force during the early stage of exosome therapy. Further experiments revealed that exosomes enhance the traction force and cytoskeleton by regulating the Rac1/RhoA signaling pathway, thereby promoting cell proliferation. This work provides an effective method for rapidly quantifying the therapeutic effects of exosomes and studying the underlying mechanisms involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the main merits, self-stabilization and no magnetic resistance make the high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnetic levitation technology a crucial area for high-speed magnetic levitation development. To guarantee a stable operation of superconducting magnetic levitation systems, the dynamic characteristics of superconducting bulk materials occupy a significant place. However, in the previous research, there is still a lack of a simulation method that can describe 6 degree of freedom (DOF) motion of the superconductor. In this paper, an electromagnetic–thermal–dynamic coupling calculation model was established first. Then, the damping characteristics of 5-DOF superconducting levitation were experimentally tested, and the response analysis of the superconductor under 1–20 Hz excitation was carried out to explore the coupled motion relationship between the various degrees of freedom of the superconductor. In addition to the above, the operating conditions and primary resonance intervals that should be avoided by the HTS maglev system were identified. Additionally, a numerical simulation was conducted to investigate the dynamic response of the HTS maglev system under impact loads. All in all, this study explored the temperature rise conditions of superconducting bulk materials under excitation force through magnetic-thermal-force multi-physics coupling research. This 6-DOF model can provide a comprehensive simulation method for superconducting maglev systems in superconductor's motion behavior, attitude, and thermal state monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) stands as one of the most profoundly damaging and debilitating conditions. This study aims to explore the potential of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) variables and peripheral inflammatory indicators as promising biomarkers. It aims to understand their significance in evaluating the severity and predicting the prognosis of TSCI. Furthermore, the study aims to ascertain whether combining these indicators could enhance the accuracy of injury assessment and predictive prognostic ability. Methods: A multicentre retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess the severity and prognostic value of MRI variables and peripheral inflammatory response biomarkers in patients with acute cervical TSCI. The study involved 374 patients with acute cervical TSCI drawn from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. The severity and prognosis of patients with acute cervical TSCI were assessed using the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS). The correlation between MRI variables, peripheral inflammatory response biomarkers, admission severity, and the 1-year follow-up prognosis was analysed. Results: After the initial assessment using the AIS grade system, 169 (49.2%) patients fell into the severe category for cervical TSCI (AIS A–B), while 205 (50.8%) patients were classified as non-severe cases (AIS C–E). The MRI variables (intramedullary lesion length [IMLL], Brain and Spinal Injury Centre [BASIC], maximum spinal cord compression [MSCC], and maximum canal compromise [MCC]) and inflammatory response biomarkers (white blood cells [WBCs], neutrophils, and C-reactive protein [CRP]) exhibited a consistent decrease correlating with the severity grades noted upon admission. Among the 374 patients assessed, 147 (39.3%) experienced a poor prognosis, as indicated by the AIS grade during the 1-year follow-up. MRI variables and peripheral inflammatory response biomarkers declined in correspondence with the follow-up AIS grades. Sex (p < 0.001), IMLL (p < 0.001), MSCC (p < 0.001), MCC (p < 0.001), BASIC (p < 0.001), WBC (p < 0.001), neutrophils (p < 0.001), and CRP (p < 0.001) were statistically significant in predicting poor outcomes. Through multivariate logistic regression analysis, BASIC score and CRP emerged as independent predictors of poor prognosis. Notably, the model combining the BASIC score and CRP yielded a larger area under the curve compared to models using only the BASIC score or CRP individually. Conclusions: The BASIC score and CRP are crucial biomarkers for evaluating the severity of cervical TSCI and predicting prognosis. Their combination proved to be a more robust determinant of injury severity and a better predictor of neurological recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

VO2 is considered as one of the most likely cathode materials to be commercialized for large‐scale application in AZIBs and is at the forefront of aqueous batteries, but its lower electrical conductivity, slower Zn2+ mobility, as well as voltage degradation and structural collapse due to vanadium solubilization have limited its further development. Herein, a Co‐substitution engineering strategy is proposed, which is introducing heteroatom Co2+ doping substitution and oxygen vacancy substitution to stabilize structure and promote ionic/electronic conductivity, leading an enhanced Zn ion storage behavior. The Co‐substituted VO2 (Co0.03V0.97O2‐x, denote as Ov‐CoVO) is reported in this paper, Co‐substitution inhibits vanadium dissolution of VO2 in AZIBs, even in the acetionitrile system. DFT calculations show that Ov‐CoVO has a more stable structure as well as a faster electronic/ionic conductivity. Consequently, the Ov‐CoVO||ZnOTF||Zn battery (aqueous) can deliver a remarkable capacity of 475 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 with 99.1% capacity retention after 200 cycles, still maintains excellent cycling stability in Ov‐CoVO||ZnTFSI||Zn (acetionitrile electrolyte) at 0.1 A g−1. In addition, compared to VO2, the charge transfer resistance and Zn2+ iffusion coefficient of Ov‐CoVO are significantly enhanced. This work broadens the scope for research cathode materials for high performance ZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen and hydride materials have long been considered promising materials for high‐temperature superconductivity. However, the extreme pressures required for the metallization of hydrogen‐based superconductors limit their applications. Here, a series of high‐temperature perovskite hydrides is designed that can be stable within 10 GPa. The research covered 182 ternary systems and ultimately determined that eight new compounds are stable within 20 GPa, of which five exhibited superconducting transition temperatures exceeding 120 K within 10 GPa, including KGaH3 (146 K at 10 GPa), RbInH3 (130 K at 6 GPa), CsInH3 (153 K at 9 GPa), RbTlH3 (170 K at 4 GPa) and CsTlH3 (163 K at 7 GPa). Excitingly, KGaH3 and RbGaH3 are thermodynamically stable at 50 GPa. Among these perovskite hydrides, alkali metals are responsible for providing a fixed amount of charge and supporting alloy framework composed of hydrogen and IIIA group elements to maintain stable crystal structure, while the cubic hydrogen alloy framework formed by IIIA group elements and hydrogen is crucial for high‐temperature superconductivity. This work will inspire further experimental exploration and take an important step in the exploration of low‐pressure stable high‐temperature superconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Embedded Dynamic RAM (eDRAM) has become a key solution for large-capacity cache in high-performance processors. A heterogeneous two transistor capacitorless eDRAM (2T-eDRAM) that combines silicon and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is reported to address the short retention issue in conventional gain cell (GC) eDRAMs meanwhile eliminate the pillar capacitor in one transistor and one capacitor (1T1C) eDRAMs. The MoS2 write transistor with low OFF current (IOFF) enables long data retention, while the Si read transistor offers high drive current and logic compatibility. This combination enhances data retention by 1000 times and sense margin by 100 times respectively compared to full Si and MoS2 counterparts. A three-dimensional (3D) design stacking MoS2 on Si is demonstrated with back-end-of-line (BEOL) process to double integration density. With 6000 s data retention, 35 μA/μm sense margin, 5 ns access speeds, 3D integration and CMOS logic compatibility, this Si-MoS2 eDRAM marks a significant advancement in memory technology. This work reports a heterogeneous two transistor capacitorless eDRAM combining Si and MoS2 to solve the short data retention problem while preserving a high sense margin. The retention and sense margin show improvements of 1000 and 100 times respectively compared to full Si and MoS2 counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium ion channels play a fundamental role in regulating cell membrane repolarization, modulating the frequency and shape of action potentials, and maintaining the resting membrane potential. A growing number of studies have indicated that dysfunction in potassium channels associates with the pathogenesis and treatment of depression. However, the involvement of potassium channels in the onset and treatment of depression has not been thoroughly summarized. In this review, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the association between multiple potassium channels and their roles in depression, and compiles the SNP loci of potassium channels associated with depression, as well as antidepressant drugs that target these channels. We discussed the pivotal role of potassium channels in the treatment of depression, provide valuable insights into new therapeutic targets for antidepressant treatment and critical clues to future drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For optimal stopping problems with time-inconsistent preference, we measure the inherent level of time-inconsistency by taking the time required to turn the naive strategies into the sophisticated ones. In particular, when in a repeated experiment, the naive agent can observe her actual sequence of actions that is inconsistent with what she has planned at the initial time, and she would then choose her immediate action based on the observations of her later actual behavior. The procedure is repeated until her actual sequence of actions is consistent with her plan at any time. We show that for the preference value of cumulative prospect theory, in which the time-inconsistency is due to the probability distortion, the higher the degree of probability distortion, the more severe the level of time-inconsistency, and the more time required to turn the naive strategies into the sophisticated ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc (Zn) metal batteries have considerable potential as large‐scale energy storage systems. However, cathodic metal ions dissolution and anodic dendrite growth constrain their further development. Here, an ion gradient separator is proposed to stabilize the bi‐electrodes of Zn metal batteries. The results show that the constructed low Zn2+ concentration region in the separator helps the NH4V4O10 (NVO) model cathode to maintain good electrolyte wettability and form a N/ZnS/ZnF2‐rich cathode‐electrolyte interphase (CEI), exhibiting a low vanadium (V) dissolution behavior. Meanwhile, the high Zn2+ concentration region in the separator and the flexible solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) inhibit the dendrite growth and parasitic reactions of the Zn metal anode and further prevent the diffusion of V ions. As a proof‐of‐concept, the NVO||Zn battery with gradient separator can achieve 88.1% capacity retention even after cycling over 800 cycles at 1 A g−1, while the ordinary separator only maintains 14.8%. This work presents an innovative gradient separator strategy for achieving high‐performance Zn metal batteries and sheds light on other rechargeable batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School bullying significantly impacts adolescent physical and mental development. The current study aimed to explore the effect of campus exclusion on school bullying behavior among junior high school students and the role of callous-unemotional traits and family caring. The Campus Exclusion Questionnaire, Olweus Child Bullying Questionnaire, Callous-Unemotional Trait Scale, and Family Caring Scale were completed by 705 students. A moderated mediation model was analyzed using SPSS 24.0. Results indicated that both campus exclusion and callous-unemotional traits positively predicted bullying behavior. Callous-unemotional traits partially mediated the relationship between campus exclusion and bullying behavior. Additionally, family caring moderated the link between callous-unemotional traits and bullying behavior, mitigating adverse effects. The study highlighted family caring's protective role against bullying linked to adverse school experiences. Therefore, collaboration between schools and families is crucial to reduce bullying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compressed ultrafast photography (CUP) can capture irreversible or difficult‐to‐repeat dynamic scenes at the imaging speed of more than one billion frames per second, which is obtained by compressive sensing‐based image reconstruction from a compressed 2D image through the discretization of detector pixels. However, an excessively high data compression ratio in CUP severely degrades the image reconstruction quality, thereby restricting its ability to observe ultrafast dynamic scenes with complex spatial structures. To address this issue, a discrete illumination‐based CUP (DI‐CUP) with high fidelity is reported. In DI‐CUP, the dynamic scenes are loaded into an ultrashort laser pulse train with controllable sub‐pulse number and time interval, thus the data compression ratio, as well as the overlap between adjacent frames, is greatly decreased and flexibly controlled through the discretization of dynamic scenes based on laser pulse train illumination, and high‐fidelity image reconstruction can be realized within the same observation time window. Furthermore, the superior performance of DI‐CUP is verified by observing femtosecond laser‐induced ablation dynamics and plasma channel evolution, which are hardly resolved in the spatial structures using conventional CUP. It is anticipated that DI‐CUP will be widely and dependably used in the real‐time observations of various ultrafast dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tilianin, a flavonoid compound derived from Dracocephalum moldavica L., is recognized for its diverse biological functionalities, in particular alleviating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). There is ample evidence suggesting that the NLRP3 inflammasome has a significant impact on the development of MIRI. In this study, rats undergoing the ligation and subsequent release of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery and H9c2 cardiomyocytes subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) were used to investigate the effects of tilianin on NLRP3 inflammasome and its anti-MIRI mechanisms. Upon reperfusion, the rats were intraperitoneally injected with tilianin at doses of 3, 10, 30 mg/kg. H9c2 cells were treated with tilianin at concentrations of 10, 30, and 50 μg/mL. Echocardiography, TTC staining and TUNEL staining demonstrated that tilianin remarkably improved cardiac function and mitigated myocardial damage in MIRI rats. Additionally, notable inflammatory response reduction by tilianin was evidenced by subsequent hematatoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, inflammatory cytokines assay, and quantitative proteomics. Further western blotting analysis and immunofluorescence staining showed tilianin decreased the levels of TLR4, p-NF-κB, NLRP3, and ASC in MIRI rats and H9c2 cells exposed to OGD/R, alongside a significant reduction in cleaved gasdermin D, mature IL-1β and IL-18. Molecular docking, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) assay revealed that tilianin impeded the interaction between NLRP3 and NEK7. Taken together, tilianin protects cardiomyocytes from MIRI by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome through the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and the disruption of the NEK7/NLRP3 interface. These findings underscore the potential of tilianin as a promising therapeutic candidate for MIRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saikosaponin‐b2 (SS‐b2), an active ingredient derived from the root of Radix Bupleuri, possesses antitumour, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidative and hepatoprotective properties. We investigated the inhibition of tumour proliferation by SS‐b2 and the underlying molecular mechanisms, including the MACC1/p‐c‐Met/p‐Akt pathway expression in HepG2 liver cancer cells and H22 tumour‐bearing mice. Animal experiments showed that SS‐b2 significantly decreased the levels of MACC1, p‐c‐MET and p‐Akt in tumour tissue transplanted with H22 liver cancer cells in mice, while it increased the expression of p‐BAD. The results also revealed a concentration‐dependent suppression of MACC1, p‐c‐Met and p‐Akt expression in the SS‐b2 treatment group compared with the control group. Additionally, the suppression of MACC1 activation by SS‐b2 resulted in a reduction in the viability and proliferation of HepG2 liver cancer cells, and this reduction was comparable to that by doxorubicin (DOX). This suggests that SS‐b2 has significant efficacy in liver cancer, comparable to DOX. Meanwhile, Annexin V‐FITC/PI staining and western blot analysis of cleaved caspase 9 and cleaved caspase 3 demonstrated that SS‐b2 induced apoptosis of HepG2 liver cancer cells. These findings provide experimental evidence suggesting that SS‐b2 is a promising anticancer agent for liver cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ferroptosis is a new type of cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation and iron dependency, representing an emerging disease regulation mechanism. The limited understanding of ferroptosis in peripheral nerve injury (PNI) complicates the management of such injuries. Mitochondrial dysfunction, which contributes to ferroptosis, further exacerbates the challenges of peripheral nerve repair Methods: In this study, we established an in vitro model of Schwann cells model treated with TBHP and an in vivo sciatic nerve crush injury model in rats. These models were used to investigate the effects of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) on PNI, both in vitro and in vivo, and to explore the potential mechanisms linking injury-induced ferroptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Results: Our findings reveal that PNI triggers abnormal accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inactivates mitochondrial respiratory chain complex III, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. This dysfunction catalyzes the oxidation of excessive polyunsaturated fatty acids, resulting in antioxidant imbalance and loss of ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), which drives lipid peroxidation. Additionally, irregular iron metabolism, defective mitophagy, and other factors contribute to the induction of ferroptosis. Importantly, we found that FGF21 attenuates the abnormal accumulation of lipid ROS, restores mitochondrial function, and suppresses ferroptosis, thus promoting PNI repair. Notably, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), a downstream target of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and the ERK/Nrf2 pathway are involved in the regulation of ferroptosis by FGF21. Conclusion: FGF21 promotes peripheral nerve repair by inhibiting ferroptosis caused by mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, targeting mitochondria and ferroptosis represents a promising therapeutic strategy for effective PNI repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals are extensively discharged through various anthropogenic activities, resulting in an environmental risk on a global scale. In this case, microorganisms can survive in an extreme heavy metal-contaminated environment via detoxification or resistance, playing a pivotal role in the speciation, bioavailability, and mobility of heavy metals. Therefore, studies on the mechanism for the microbial transformation of heavy metals are of great importance and can provide guidance for heavy metal bioremediation. Current research studies on the microbial transformation of heavy metals mainly focus on the single oxidation, reduction and methylation pathways. However, complex microbial transformation processes and corresponding bioremediation strategies have never been clarified, which may involve the inherent physicochemical properties of heavy metals. To uncover the underlying mechanism, we reclassified heavy metals into three categories based on their biological transformation pathways, namely, metals that can be chelated, reduced or oxidized, and methylated. Firstly, we comprehensively characterized the difference in transmembrane pathways between heavy metal cations and anions. Further, biotransformation based on chelation by low-molecular-weight organic complexes is thoroughly discussed. Moreover, the progress and knowledge gaps in the microbial redox and (de)methylation mechanisms are discussed to establish a connection linking theoretical advancements with solutions to the heavy metal contamination problem. Finally, several efficient bioremediation strategies for heavy metals and the limitations of bioremediation are proposed. This review presents a solid contribution to the design of efficient microbial remediation strategies applied in the real environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent guidelines have recognized several factors, including blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), smoking, and physical activity, as key contributors to stroke risk. However, the impact of simultaneous management of these risk factors on stroke susceptibility in individuals with hypertension remains ambiguous. This study involved 238 388 participants from the UK Biobank, followed up from their recruitment date until April 1, 2023. Cox proportional hazard models with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to illustrate the correlation between the joint modifiable risk factor control and the stroke risk. As the degree of risk factor control increased, a gradual reduction in stroke risk was observed. Hypertensive patients who had the optimal risk factor control (≥5 risk factor controls) had a 14.6% lower stroke risk than those who controlled 2 or fewer (HR: 0.854; 95% CI: 804–0.908; p < 0.001). The excess risk of stroke linked to hypertension slowly diminished as the number of controlled risk factors increased. However, the risk was still 25.1% higher for hypertensive patients with optimal risk factor control as compared to the non‐hypertensive population (HR: 1.251; 95% CI: 1.100–1.422; p < 0.001). The protective effect of joint risk factor control against the stroke risk due to hypertension was stronger in medicated hypertensive patients than in those not medicated. This finding leads to the conclusion that joint risk factor control combined with pharmacological treatment could potentially eliminate the excess risk of stroke associated with hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, making accurate state transition monitoring a key research topic. This paper presents a characterization method for large-format LIBs based on phased-array ultrasonic technology (PAUT). A finite element model of a large-format aluminum shell lithium-ion battery is developed on the basis of ultrasonic wave propagation in multilayer porous media. Simulations and comparative analyses of phased array ultrasonic imaging are conducted for various operating conditions and abnormal gas generation. A 40 Ah ternary lithium battery (NCMB) is tested at a 0.5C charge-discharge rate, with the state of charge (SOC) and ultrasonic data extracted. The relationship between ultrasonic signals and phased array images is established through simulation and experimental comparisons. To estimate the SOC, a fully connected neural network (FCNN) model is designed and trained, achieving an error of less than 4%. Additionally, phased array imaging, which is conducted every 5 s during overcharging and overdischarging, reveals that gas bubbles form at 0.9 V and increase significantly at 0.2 V. This research provides a new method for battery state characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alginate oligosaccharide (AOS) is a bioactive carbohydrate known for its preservation properties. However, the efficacy of preharvest AOS treatment in maintaining the postharvest quality of hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta) has not been previously reported. This study explores the effects of preharvest AOS treatment (80 mg L−1) on A. arguta fruit, assessing visual quality, physiological attributes, aroma, and antioxidant capacity during refrigeration and shelf life. Results showed that AOS treatment maintained higher lightness, chroma, firmness, and antioxidant levels (total phenolics, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and glutathione), along with antioxidant enzyme activities (peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase). Specifically, AOS‐treated fruit had 9% higher chroma and double the firmness after 60 days of refrigeration. AOS treatment reduced ripening and senescence, with 25% lower soluble solids content, 22% lower respiration rate, 30% lower ethylene production, and 35% lower malondialdehyde content. Electronic nose analysis indicated that AOS treatment suppressed changes in fruit aroma and off‐odor development, maintaining significantly higher quality during the shelf life period. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of AOS as a sustainable method to extend shelf life and preserve the quality of A. arguta fruit, enhancing its market value and consumer appeal. Practical Application: The research on using alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) for preharvest treatment of hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta) has practical applications in the food industry. By extending the shelf life and preserving the quality of the fruit during storage, this method can help reduce postharvest losses and improve the market value and consumer appeal of A. arguta fruit. This sustainable preservation technique offers an eco‐friendly alternative to traditional methods, enhancing the freshness and nutritional quality of the fruit available to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topography is one of the dominant factors in regional soil formation and development. Soil distribution has a certain pattern from high to low in space, and this pattern has a high degree of consistency with slope position. Most of the current research on soil mapping uses landscape types generated by existing methods directly as environmental covariates, and there are few landscape classification methods specifically oriented toward soil surveys. There is rarely any research on landform classification using relative slope position (RSP) and elevation. Therefore, we designed a landform classification method based on RSP and elevation, Terrainforms (TF), and combined the landform type with land use type to construct soil–landscape units for soil type and attribute spatial prediction. In this study, two commonly used landform classification methods, Geomorphons and Landforms, were also used to compare with this design method. It was found that the constructed soil–landscape units had a high consistency with the soil spatial distribution. The landform types based on RSP and elevation obtained the second-highest prediction accuracy in both soil type and soil organic carbon (SOC), and the constructed soil–landscape types obtained the highest prediction accuracy. The results show that the landform classification method based on RSP and elevation is not easily limited by the analysis scale, and is an efficient and accurate landform classification method. The TF landform type and its constructed soil–landscape types can be used as an important environmental variable in soil prediction and sampling, which can provide some guidance and reference for landform classification and digital soil mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the issue of inadequate convergence and suboptimal accuracy in classical data-driven algorithms for coherent polarization–direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation, a novel high-precision two-dimensional coherent polarization–DOA estimation method utilizing a sequence-embedding fusion (SEF) transformer is proposed for the first time. Drawing inspiration from natural language processing (NLP), this approach employs transformer-based multitasking text inference to facilitate joint estimation of polarization and DOA. This method leverages the multi-head self-attention mechanism of the transformer to effectively capture the multi-dimensional features within the spatial-polarization domain of the covariance matrix data. Additionally, an SEF module was proposed to fuse the spatial-polarization domain features from different dimensions. The module is a combination of a convolutional neural network (CNN) with local information extraction capabilities and a feature dimension transformation function, serving to improve the model's ability to fuse information about features in the spatial-polarization domain. Moreover, to enhance the model's expressive capacity, we designed a multi-task parallel output mode and a multi-task weighted loss function. Simulation results demonstrate that our method outperforms classical data-driven approaches in both accuracy and generalization, and the estimation accuracy of our method is improved relative to the traditional model-driven algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Deep Cement Mixing Integrated Drilling, Mixing and Jetting (DMJ) technique has been developed through the installation of high-pressure spray holes at the mixing blades, with the objective of enhancing the bearing capacity of deep-mixed piles in the Yellow River floodplain. In order to enhance the bearing capacity of the foundation, variable-modulus piles and capped piles were incorporated within the DMJ piles. Engineering applications have demonstrated that DMJ piles can effectively address the issue of foundation reinforcement in the Yellow River floodplain region, minimize the wastage of cement, and reduce the environmental pollution associated with waste slurry. Nevertheless, a comprehensive study of the relevant factors is still lacking in the available literature. This study addresses this gap by conducting a numerical simulation of these two types of DMJ piles based on the preliminary field test data, with the objective of analyzing both the single-pile-bearing characteristics and the composite foundation-bearing characteristics. Furthermore, the study seeks to optimize the DMJ pile's structure based on the simulation results. The findings demonstrate that the premature failure of a single pile during the bearing process can be averted if the modulus of the pile core reaches a minimum of 0.3 GPa or if the pile cap thickness exceeds 1 m. The utilization of large-diameter drilling, stirring and spraying piles can markedly enhance the bearing capacity of the composite foundation and mitigate the differential settlement of pile and soil. The spacing of the pile has been identified as a significant factor influencing the differential settlement of pile and soil. Consequently, this study also examines the impact of pile spacing on the differential settlement of piles and soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in controlling Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression and delaying cognitive decline. Traditional diagnostic tools present great challenges to clinical practice due to their invasiveness, high cost, and time-consuming administration. This study was designed to construct a non-invasive and cost-effective classification model based on eye movement parameters to distinguish dementia due to AD (ADD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and normal cognition. Eye movement data were collected from 258 subjects, comprising 111 patients with ADD, 81 patients with MCI, and 66 individuals with normal cognition. The fixation, smooth pursuit, prosaccade, and anti-saccade tasks were performed. Machine learning methods were used to screen eye movement parameters and build diagnostic models. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to assess the correlations between the five most important eye movement indicators in the optimal model and neuropsychological scales. The gradient boosting classifier model demonstrated the best classification performance, achieving 68.2% of accuracy and 66.32% of F1-score in multiclass classification of AD. Moreover, the correlation analysis indicated that the eye movement parameters were associated with various cognitive functions, including general cognitive status, attention, visuospatial ability, episodic memory, short-term memory, and language and instrumental activities of daily life. Eye movement parameters in conjunction with machine learning methods achieve satisfactory overall accuracy, making it an effective and less time-consuming method to assist clinical diagnosis of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heme, an iron-containing tetrapyrrole in hemoproteins, including: hemoglobin, myoglobin, catalase, cytochrome c, and cytochrome P450, plays critical physiological roles in different organisms. Heme-derived chemicals, such as biliverdin, bilirubin, and phycocyanobilin, are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and have shown great potential in fighting viruses and diseases. Therefore, more and more attention has been paid to the biosynthesis of hemoproteins and heme derivatives, which depends on the adequate heme supply in various microbial cell factories. The enhancement of endogenous biosynthesis and exogenous uptake can improve the intracellular heme supply, but the excess free heme is toxic to the cells. Therefore, based on the heme-responsive regulators, several sensitive biosensors were developed to fine-tune the intracellular levels of heme. In this review, recent advances in the: biosynthesis, acquisition, regulation, and upcycling of heme were summarized to provide a solid foundation for the efficient production and application of high-value-added hemoproteins and heme derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyamides' properties are greatly influenced by the polymerization process and the type of feedstock used. The solid forms of nylon salts play a significant role in determining the final characteristics of the material. This study focuses on the long-chain bio-nylon 512. Firstly, we systematically investigated the possible solid forms of the nylon 512 salt, including crystal forms and morphologies, by massive experimental screening, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Hirshfeld surface analysis, and TG-DSC measurements. The regulation and control of the various solid forms were achieved through solid-state transformations (SSTs) and solution-mediated phase transformations (SMPTs). Our findings shows that the nylon 512 salt exists in two crystal forms (anhydrate and dihydrate) and four morphologies (needle-like, plate-like, rod-like, and massive block crystal). Many factors will influence the formation of these solid forms, such as water activity, temperature, solvent, and ultrasonic physical fields. We can choose the right factors to regulate this as needed. On this basis, we studied the effects of different solid forms (crystal forms and morphologies) on the properties of the resulting polyamides prepared using direct solid-state polymerization (DSSP). The solid form of the salt had many effects on the polymer, including its structure, melting point, and mechanical properties. The polyamide obtained through DSSP of the anhydrate salt exhibited a higher melting point (204.22 °C) and greater elastic modulus (3.366 GPa) compared to that of the dihydrate salt, especially for the anhydrate salt of plate-like crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MYB transcription factor family plays a crucial regulatory role in plant growth, development, biological progress, and stress responses. Here, we identified a R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene, SlMYB78-like, from tomato and characterized its function by gene silencing via RNA interference (RNAi). The results exhibited that the silencing of SlMYB78-like reduced the sensitivity of tomato seedlings to exogenous ABA. In addition, when exposed to drought and salt stresses, the RNAi lines grown in soil showed decreased tolerance, with lower ABA accumulation, relative water content, and chlorophyll content while displaying higher relative conductivity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content than the wild type. Moreover, the expression of genes related to chlorophyll biosynthesis, photosynthesis, and ABA biosynthesis/response were down-regulated in SlMYB78-like-silenced lines. Notably, the transcript level of SlCYP707-A2, which encodes a protein involved in ABA degradation, was up-regulated significantly after stresses. The transient expression assay Dual-luciferase (Dual-LUC) and a yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assay demonstrated that SlMYB78-like bound to the promoter of SlCYP707-A2. Additionally, the physical interaction between SlMYB78-like and SlDREB3, which functioned in ABA signaling transduction, was identified through yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays. Collectively, our study illustrates that SlMYB78-like participates in the abiotic stress response via the ABA pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Whittaker–Henderson (WH) graduation is a smoothing method for equally spaced one-dimensional data such as time series. It includes the Bohlmann filter, the Hodrick–Prescott (HP) filter, and the Whittaker graduation as special cases. Among them, the HP filter is the most prominent trend-cycle decomposition method for macroeconomic time series such as real gross domestic product. Recently, a modification of the HP filter, the boosted HP (bHP) filter, has been developed, and several studies have been conducted. The basic idea of the modification is to achieve more desirable smoothing by extracting long-term fluctuations remaining in the smoothing residuals. Inspired by the modification, this paper develops the boosted version of the WH graduation, which includes the bHP filter as a special case. Then, we establish its properties that are fundamental for applied work. To investigate the properties, we use a spectral decomposition of the penalty matrix of the WH graduation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shear deformation of the steel strip layer is introduced for the first time into the constitutive model of steel strip reinforced thermoplastic pipes (SSRTP), aiming to obtain a more precise solution for the burst pressure. Five SSRTP specimens with end fittings were employed to conduct the burst pressure test. Accordingly, two sets of FE models which are friction-inclusive and friction-neglecting were established. The friction-inclusive FE model demonstrates good agreement with the test solution, while the friction-neglecting FE model aligns well with the theoretical solution. The findings indicate that for wide strip layers, the shear deformation is not negligible. The impacts of additional tensile armour, winding angle, and friction coefficient on the burst pressure were analyzed. Finally, a linear correction is applied to account for the influence of the friction coefficient, yielding a result that can be regarded as the lower limit of the SSRTP's burst pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flotation is the most common method to obtain concentrate through the selective adsorption of collectors on target minerals to make them hydrophobic and floatable. In the hydrometallurgy of concentrate, collectors adsorbed on concentrate can damage ion-exchange resin and increase the chemical oxygen demand (COD) value of wastewater. In this work, we proposed a new scheme, i.e., desorbing the collectors from concentrate in ore dressing plant and reusing them in flotation flowsheet. Lead nitrate and benzohydroxamic acid (Pb-BHA) complex is a common collector in scheelite flotation. In this study, different physical (stirring or ultrasonic waves) and chemical (strong acid or alkali environment) methods for facilitating the desorption of Pb-BHA collector from scheelite concentrate were explored. Single-mineral desorption tests showed that under the condition of pulp pH 13 and ultrasonic treatment for 15 min, the highest desorption rates of Pb and BHA from the scheelite concentrate were 90.48% and 63.75%, respectively. Run-of-mine ore flotation tests revealed that the reuse of desorbed Pb and BHA reduced the collector dosage by 30% for BHA and 25% for Pb. The strong alkali environment broke the chemical bonds between Pb and BHA. The cavitation effect of ultrasonic waves effectively reduced the interaction intensity between Pb-BHA collector and scheelite surfaces. This method combining ultrasonic waves and strong alkali environment can effectively desorb the collectors from concentrate and provide "clean" scheelite concentrate for metallurgic plants; the reuse of desorbed collector in flotation flowsheet can reduce reagent cost for ore dressing plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a model predictive control (MPC) based on back propagation neural network (BPNN) prediction model was proposed for compressor speed control of air conditioning system (ACS) and battery thermal management system (BTMS) coupling system of battery electric vehicle (BEV). In order to solve the problem of high cooling energy consumption and inferior thermal comfort in the cabin of the battery electric vehicle thermal management system (BEVTMS) during summer time, this paper combines the respective superiorities of artificial neural network (ANN) predictive modeling and MPC, and creatively combines the two methods and uses them in the control of BEVTMS. Firstly, based on ANN and heat transfer theory, BPNN prediction model, ACS and BTMS coupling system were established and verified. Secondly, a mathematical method of MPC was established to control the speed of the compressor. Then, the state parameters of the coupled system were predicted using a BPNN prediction model, and the predicted values were passed to the MPC, thus achieving accurate control of the compressor speed using the MPC. Finally, the effects of PID control and MPC based on BPNN prediction model on thermal comfort of cabin and compressor energy consumption at different ambient temperatures were compared in simulation under New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) conditions. The results showed for the constructed BPNN prediction model predicted and tested values of the selected parameters the mean squared error (MSE) ranged from 2.498% to 8.969%, mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) ranged from 4.197% to 8.986%, and mean absolute error (MAE) ranged from 3.202% to 8.476%. At ambient temperatures of 25°C, 35°C and 45°C, the MPC based on the BPNN prediction model reduced the cumulative discomfort time in the cabin by 100 s, 39 s and 19 s, respectively, compared with the PID control. Under three NEDC conditions, the energy consumption is reduced by 1.82%, 2.35% and 3.48%, respectively. When the ambient temperature was 35°C, the MPC based on BPNN prediction model can make the ACS and BTMS coupling system have better thermal comfort, and the energy saving effect of the compressor was more obvious with the temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, diversified measurements reflect the system dynamics from a more comprehensive perspective in system modeling and analysis, such as scalars, waveform signals, images, and structured point clouds. To handle such multimodal structured high-dimensional (SHD) data, combining a large amount of data from multiple sites is necessary (i) to reduce the inherent population bias from a single site and (ii) to increase the model accuracy. However, impeded by data management policies and storage costs, data could not be easily shared or directly exchanged among different sites. Instead of simplifying or facilitating the data query process, we propose a federated multiple tensor-on-tensor regression (FedMTOT) framework to train the individual system model locally using (i) its own data and (ii) data features (not data itself) from other sites. Specifically, federated computation is executed based on alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) to satisfy data-sharing requirements, while the individual model at each site can still benefit from feature knowledge from other sites to improve its own model accuracy. Finally, two simulations and two case studies validate the superiority of the proposed FedMTOT framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light-based photo-stimulation has demonstrated promising effects on stem cell behavior, particularly in optimizing neurogenesis. However, the precise parameters for achieving optimal results, including the wavelengths, light intensity, radiating energy, and underlying mechanisms, remain incompletely understood. In this study, we focused on utilizing ultraviolet-C (UV-C) at a specific wavelength of 254 nm, with an ultra-low dose at intensity of 330 μW/cm2 and a total energy of 594 mJ/cm2 per day over a period of seven days, to stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of mouse neural stem cells (NSCs). The results revealed that the application of ultra-low-dose UV-C yielded the most significant effect in promoting differentiation when compared to mixed ultraviolet (UV) and ultraviolet-A (UV-A) radiation at equivalent exposure levels. The mechanism exploration elucidated the role of Presenilin 1 in mediating the activation of β-catenin and Notch 1 by the UV-C treatment, both of which are key factors facilitating NSCs proliferation and differentiation. These findings introduce a novel approach employing ultra-low-dose UV-C for specifically enhancing NSC differentiation, as well as the underlying mechanism. It would contribute valuable insights into brain stimulation and neurogenesis modulation for various diseases, offering potential therapeutic avenues for further exploration. Ultra-low-dose UV-C photo-stimulation promoted the differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) through Presenilin 1 mediated β-catenin and Notch 1 activations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High and low daily ambient temperatures are associated with higher mortality in the general population. People experiencing homelessness (PEH) are thought to be particularly vulnerable, but there is almost no direct evidence available. We examined the temperature-mortality association among PEH in 2 populous, urban counties in hot-climate regions of the United States, focusing on heat effects. Study setting was Los Angeles County, CA, and Clark County, NV, which encompass the cities of Los Angeles and Las Vegas, respectively. Outcomes were 2015-2022 deaths among decedents categorized as homeless in county administrative records. We used quasi-Poisson distributed lag nonlinear models to estimate the association of mortality with daily temperatures and with 7-day lagged temperatures, adjusting for day of week, seasonality, and long-term trends. We estimated the minimum mortality temperature and fraction of mortality attributable to temperatures above and below minimum mortality temperature. The association between daily temperature and PEH mortality was skewed towards greater risk at higher temperatures, especially in Clark County. Temperature-attributable mortality equaled 50.1% of deaths in Clark County (95% CI, 29.0-62.8) and 7.0% in Los Angeles County (95% CI, 1.4-12.1). In both counties, most temperature-attributable deaths were attributable to heat rather than cold. In these hot-climate urban counties, our estimates of heat-attributable mortality among PEH were orders of magnitude greater than those reported in prior research on the general population. These results indicate that temperature vulnerability, particularly heat vulnerability, requires stronger public health and policy responses. This article is part of a Special Collection on Environmental Epidemiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the impact of inner lining defects on the mechanical behavior of double-shell structures and validate the efficacy of the shield tunnel support system, similar model tests were employed to analyze the deformation characteristics, internal force distribution, damage progression, and interaction strength of double-shell lining structures with inner lining defects in three typical locations (crown, shoulder and waist) under ultimate loads. This study discloses how inner lining defects affect the load-bearing capacity of the double-shell structure and makes recommendations. The results show that (1) The existence of defects in the inner lining makes the deformation of the double-shell lining structure under the action of external loads uncoordinated. The overall load-bearing capacity of the structure decreases by 33% to 50%. (2) Local stress concentrations and increased eccentricity lead to a significant increase in the internal force proportion and failure of the defective inner lining, thus failing to limit the deformation of the segments and the early damage of the double-shell lining structure. (3) Of the three locations studied, the impact of inner lining defect position on the mechanical behavior of the double-shell structure follows this ranking: arch waist most impactful, crown weaker than arch waist, least impactful at shoulder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider a class of asymptotically linear damped vibration problems with resonance at infinity. Compared with the existing results, under this resonance condition the functional corresponding to the problem may not satisfy the compactness condition. By combining the penalized functional technique, Morse theory and two critical point theorems, we obtain the existence and multiplicity of nontrivial periodic solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the value of the dynamic and static quantitative metabolic parameters derived from 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)–positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) in the differential diagnosis of metastatic from non-metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in lung cancer and to validate them based on the results of a previous study. Methods: One hundred and twenty-one patients with lung nodules or masses detected on chest CT scan underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT dynamic + static imaging with informed consent. A retrospective collection of 126 LNs in 37 patients with lung cancer was pathologically confirmed. Static image analysis parameters include LN-SUVmax and LN-SUVmax/primary tumor SUVmax (LN-SUVmax/PT-SUVmax). Dynamic metabolic parameters including the net influx rate (Ki) and the surrogate of perfusion (K1) and of each LN were obtained by applying the irreversible two-tissue compartment model using in-house Matlab software. Ki/K1 was then calculated as a separate marker. Based on the pathological findings, we divided into a metastatic group and a non-metastatic group. The χ2 test was used to evaluate the agreement of the individual and combined diagnosis of each metabolic parameter with the gold standard. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed for each parameter to determine the diagnostic efficacy in differentiating non-metastatic from metastatic LNs with high FDG-avid. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among the 126 FDG-avid LNs confirmed by pathology, 70 LNs were metastatic, and 56 LNs were non-metastatic. For ROC analysis, in separate assays, the dynamic metabolic parameter Ki [sensitivity (SEN) of 84.30%, specificity (SPE) of 94.60%, accuracy of 88.89%, and AUC of 0.895] had a better diagnostic value than the static metabolic parameter SUVmax (SEN of 82.90%, SPE of 62.50%, accuracy of 74.60%, and AUC of 0.727) in differentiating between metastatic from non-metastatic LNs groups, respectively. In the combined diagnosis group, the combined SUVmax + Ki diagnosis had a better diagnostic value in the differential diagnosis of metastatic from non-metastatic LNs, with SEN, SPE, accuracy, and AUC of 84.3%, 94.6%, 88.89%, and 0.907, respectively. Conclusions: When the cutoff value of Ki was 0.022 ml/g/min, it had a high diagnostic value in the differential diagnosis between metastasis and non-metastasis in FDG-avid LNs of lung cancer, especially in improving the specificity. The combination of SUVmax and Ki is expected to be a reliable metabolic parameter for N-staging of lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of both live and heat‐killed states of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MWFLp‐182 (L. plantarum MWFLp‐182) isolated from the faeces of long‐lived humans on preventing and relieving Salmonella infection were studied. Evaluation methods included RT‐qPCR measurement of inflammatory factors, histopathological analysis and non‐targeted metabolomics. The results showed that L. plantarum MWFLp‐182 in both states improved body weight loss, organ swelling and ileocolon pathological damage. They also protected against Salmonella infection by regulating key KEGG enrichment pathways and the expression levels of TNF‐a and IL‐6. It is worth noting that the function of live bacteria was better than that of heat‐killed bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of new genes involved in regulating cold tolerance in rice is urgent because low temperatures repress plant growth and reduce yields. Cold tolerance is controlled by multiple loci and involves a complex regulatory network. Here, we show that rice jacalin‐related lectin (OsJRL) modulates cold tolerance in rice. The loss of OsJRL gene functions increased phenylalanine metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis under cold stress. The OsJRL knock‐out (KO) lines had higher phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL) activity and greater flavonoid accumulation than the wild‐type rice, Nipponbare (NIP), under cold stress. The leaves had lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and showed significantly enhanced cold tolerance compared to NIP. In contrast, the OsJRL overexpression (OE) lines had higher levels of ROS accumulation and showed lower cold tolerance than NIP. Additionally, the OsJRL KO lines accumulated more abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA) under cold stress than NIP. The OsJRL OE lines showed increased sensitivity to ABA compared to NIP. We conclude that OsJRL negatively regulates the cold tolerance of rice via modulation of phenylalanine metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis. Summary statement: OsJRL negatively regulates the cold tolerance of rice via modulation of phenylalanine metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]