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In the UAV-based urban delivery setting, the battery capacity serves as one of the key factors affecting the delivery range of drones. For a typical multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the maximum effective working range of a lithium battery for a single flight leg is approximately 20 km. In practice, the lithium battery is replaced each time the UAV completes a delivery, even though the remaining power of the replaced lithium battery is still capable of supporting the following flight legs. Therefore, the one-order-one-swapping strategy significantly brings down the battery utilisation as well as the efficiency of the delivery system. In the present paper, the UAV-based delivery problem with battery swapping decision is considered, where multiple en route pickup and deliveries are allowed. To obtain optimal decisions in terms of flight route, time and location of each battery swapping, a branch-and-price-and-cut algorithm is introduced. First we formulate this problem as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model, and then decompose it into a master problem and a pricing sub-problem, where the master problem is considered as a set covering model, and the sub-problem as an elementary shortest path problem with resource constraints (ESPPRC). To speed up the process of column generation, efficient heuristics are also integrated to provide basic feasible solutions. In the pricing sub-problem, a combination of heuristic algorithm and dynamic programming is implemented to improve the computational efficiency. In the numerical experiments, the proposed algorithm is tested on various scales of UAV-based urban delivery instances, the performance of which is analysed and compared with the off-the-shelf commercial solver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Estuarine vegetation routinely experiences natural tidal fluctuations and is highly vulnerable to extreme events such as heavy rainfall, leading to changes in plant population structure and adaptability. Genetic and epigenetic modifications are widely considered to be mechanisms of phenotypic variation, triggered in plants responding to extreme changing environments. However, understanding on correlations among genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic variation of wild plant populations is still limited. Location: China. Methods: In this study, populations of the typical wetland clonal species Phragmites australis were selected from four estuaries along various latitudes in China. Genetic and epigenetic diversity and phenotypic variation of these populations were analysed. Results: Phenotypic variation of P. australis populations was the highest at Yellow River Estuary and the lowest at Min River Estuary. Across all estuaries, Genetic and epigenetic diversity was strongly linear‐correlated. Genetic diversity had significant correlations with variation in reproductive traits, whereas epigenetic diversity had significant correlations with variation in growth traits. Climatic factors of mean annual temperature and precipitation, as well as soil nitrogen and phosphorus, were negatively correlated with variation in genetic diversity, epigenetic diversity, and variation in reproductive traits of P. australis populations along latitudes. Variation in growth traits was negatively correlated with soil salinity, reflecting the limiting effect of salinity on plant growth. Main Conclusion: Our findings found that genetic and epigenetic variations may play different roles in phenotypic variation of P. australis populations along latitudes, the variation becomes greater when the climatic and edaphic conditions deteriorate. The findings shed new light on the adaptation and evolution of wetland plant populations along a large latitudinal scale, and may contribute to the revegetation of estuary wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of image quality and morphological characteristics of primary underglaze brown decorative pattern extraction, this paper proposes a method of primary underglaze brown decorative pattern extraction based on the coupling of single scale gamma correction and gray sharpening. The single-scale gamma correction is combined with the gray sharpening method. The single-scale gamma correction improves the contrast and brightness of the image by nonlinear transformation, but may lead to the loss of image detail. Gray sharpening can enhance the high frequency component and improve the clarity of the image, but it will introduce noise. Combining these two technologies can compensate for their shortcomings. The experimental results show that this method can improve the efficiency of last element underglaze brown decorative pattern extraction by enhancing the image retention detail and reducing the influence of noise. The experimental results showed that F1Score, Miou(%), Recall, Precision and Accuracy(%) were 0.92745, 0.82253, 0.97942, 0.92458 and 0.92745, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-efficiency electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is among the promising approaches for future low-cost hydrogen production. The cost and effectiveness challenges of electrocatalysts have significantly limited the development of electrochemical HER. Metal–organic framework (MOF) derivatives with tunable conformations and remarkable activity have shown unique capabilities in electrocatalytic hydrogen precipitation. Herein, we report a simple method for the synthesis of MOF-derived MoO2/NC with decorated Pt nanostructures. Thus, the synthesized MoO2/NC/Pt-20 nanostructures with a rod-like structure exhibit better pH-universal HER performance with overpotentials of 32, 53, and 70 mV in alkaline, acidic, and neutral conditions (10 mA·cm–2), respectively. Also, the electrocatalysts show low cell voltages of 1.58, 1.59, and 1.70 V at 10 mA·cm–2 for overall water splitting in alkaline, acidic, and neutral conditions, respectively. This research has opened further thought for the rationale for the design of electrocatalysts with stable HER and overall water-splitting performance at all-pH values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mapping neuronal networks is a central focus in neuroscience. While volume electron microscopy (vEM) can reveal the fine structure of neuronal networks (connectomics), it does not provide molecular information to identify cell types or functions. We developed an approach that uses fluorescent single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) to perform multiplexed detergent-free immunolabeling and volumetric-correlated-light-and-electron-microscopy on the same sample. We generated eight fluorescent scFvs targeting brain markers. Six fluorescent probes were imaged in the cerebellum of a female mouse, using confocal microscopy with spectral unmixing, followed by vEM of the same sample. The results provide excellent ultrastructure superimposed with multiple fluorescence channels. Using this approach, we documented a poorly described cell type, two types of mossy fiber terminals, and the subcellular localization of one type of ion channel. Because scFvs can be derived from existing monoclonal antibodies, hundreds of such probes can be generated to enable molecular overlays for connectomic studies. Volume EM provides connectomic data but lacks necessary molecular information. Here, authors show fluorescent scFvs enable multiplexed immunolabeling and correlated light and electron microscopy, suggesting potential for molecularly annotated connectomic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterized by long spans, low aspect ratios, and intricate construction sequences, super-large cross-section tunnels present substantial construction risks. Therefore, the selection of the optimal excavation method and construction sequence is crucial for ensuring the safety of tunnel construction and minimizing project costs. This paper takes a super large transverse-section highway tunnel as a case study, employing field monitoring data combined with ABAQUS software to analyze the stress and deformation of surrounding rock and support structures under different excavation methods. The findings reveal that the deformation of surrounding rock and support structures excavated by the Double-Side Drift Method is smaller than those caused by the three-benching seven-step method and the CRD excavation method. Nevertheless, the significant stresses of surrounding rock and support structures are released by the Double-Side Drift Method, leading to potential stress concentrations. Thus, it is necessary to ensure the rapid completion of early support and quick sealing of the tunnel. Furthermore, the sixth process achieves smaller deformation (including arch displacement and surface settlement) of the tunnel, a shorter construction period, and lower economic costs when compared to other construction processes. Consequently, it can obviously be concluded that both the Double-Side Drift Method and the sixth construction process stand out as the most appropriate choices for excavating super large cross-section tunnels. The insights obtained from this study provide theoretical guidance for the design and construction of similar tunnel projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The zoning excavation method is fully employed to control the deformation of foundation pits constructed in urban soft soil areas. However, the similarities and differences in forces and deformations between foundation pits excavated by the zonal method and those excavated by the conventional method still need to be further explored. In this study, the deformation was monitored and analyzed by taking the zonal excavation of a foundation pit of the 'New World' project in Hangzhou City as the research object. The measured results showed that the pre-built diaphragm wall for the first excavated foundation pit restricted the deformation of the first excavated diaphragm wall. The presence of extensive construction and unloading activities also changed the deformation pattern of the soil. Further, finite element simulations were carried out. The simulation results revealed that excavating the foundation pit first caused displacements in the pre-built diaphragm wall. The displacements transmitted by non-adjacent pits through the pre-built diaphragm wall were small and were concentrated at the junction of the two sub-pits. Adjacent foundation pits caused large displacements of the pre-built diaphragm wall with similar displacement patterns. The results of the study can provide effective guidance for foundation pit excavation in soft soil areas in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalates are common endocrine disruptors. The placental barrier can be crossed by phthalates and may have a negative impact on the health of the fetus. However, the association between prenatal exposure to phthalates and birth size is still debatable. Here, we performed this meta-analysis to assess the relationship between prenatal phthalates exposure and birth size. Eighteen studies were finally included by searching PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Ovid, and Web of Science databases and standardized regression coefficients and standard errors were used to pool effect size. Our results showed that prenatal exposure to MMP (=-0.04, 95%CI: −0.08, −0.01) and MEP (=-0.01, 95%CI: −0.01, −0.002) was significantly associated with birth weight. However, no significant associations were identified for phthalate exposure with birth length, head circumference and chest circumference. Because the limiting of studies, more high-quality case–control studies or cohort studies are urgently needed to draw the best conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The face of a humanoid robot can affect the user experience, and the detection of face preference is particularly important. Preference detection belongs to a branch of emotion recognition that has received much attention from researchers. Most of the previous preference detection studies have been conducted based on a single modality. In this paper, we detect face preferences of humanoid robots based on electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and eye movement signals for single modality, canonical correlation analysis fusion modality, and bimodal deep autoencoder (BDAE) fusion modality, respectively. We validated the theory of frontal asymmetry by analyzing the preference patterns of EEG and found that participants had higher alpha wave energy for preference faces. In addition, hidden preferences extracted by EEG signals were better classified than preferences from participants' subjective feedback, and also, the classification performance of eye movement data was improved. Finally, experimental results showed that BDAE multimodal fusion using frontal alpha and beta power spectral densities and eye movement information as features performed best, with the highest average accuracy of 83.13% for the SVM and 71.09% for the KNN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generalized energy-based fragmentation (GEBF) approach under periodic boundary conditions (PBCs) has been developed to facilitate calculations of molecular crystals containing large molecules. The PBC-GEBF approach can help predict structures and properties of molecular crystals at different theory levels by performing molecular quantum chemistry calculations on a series of non-periodic subsystems constructed from the studied systems. A more rigorous formula of the forces on translational vectors of molecular crystals was proposed and implemented, enabling more reliable predictions of crystal structures. Our benchmark results on several typical molecular crystals show that the PBC-GEBF approach could reproduce the forces on atoms and the translational vectors and the optimized crystal structures from the corresponding conventional periodic methods. The improved PBC-GEBF approach is then applied to predict the crystal structures and vibrational spectra of two molecular crystals containing large molecules. The PBC-GEBF approach can provide a satisfactory description on the crystal structure of a molecular crystal containing 312 atoms in a unit cell at density-fitting second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory and density functional theory (DFT) levels and the infrared vibrational spectra of another molecular crystal containing 864 atoms in a unit cell at the DFT level. The PBC-GEBF approach is expected to be a promising theoretical tool for electronic structure calculations on molecular crystals containing large molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quasi‐2D perovskites demonstrate exceptional luminescent properties, mainly attributed to heightened radiative recombination facilitated by the energy transfer process among spontaneous quantum‐well structures featuring varied n‐value distributions. However, the rapid crystallization process often induces uncontrolled variations in phase composition, characterized by distinct "n" values, leading to suboptimal energy transfer efficiency. In this study, an innovative supramolecular strategy utilizing cryptand is introduced as an additive to regulate the phase distribution within quasi‐2D perovskite films. Cryptand effectively inhibited the aggregation of PEA+ and the formation of unsaturated Pb‐X coordination compounds, thereby suppressing the generation of low‐"n" phases. This intervention resulted in a continuous series of ordered intermediate phases with higher "n" values. The graded electronic structure facilitated efficient energy transfer from low‐"n" to high‐"n" phases, promoting effective radiation recombination. As a result, the optimized PeLEDs emitting at 490 nm demonstrated a remarkable external quantum efficiency (EQE) enhancement to 10.16%, compared to the reference device with an EQE of 2.33%. The device also exhibited impressive spectral and operational stability. The findings establish a viable strategy for precise phase distribution regulation in quasi‐2D perovskites, offering great potential for high‐performance blue PeLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whether programmed cell death-1/ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) blockade-based neoadjuvant treatment may benefit locally advanced oncogene-mutant non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients remains controversial. This retrospective study was designed to observe the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant PD-1/PD-L1 blockade plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy and corresponding tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with resectable oncogene-positive NSCLC. Methods: Patients with potential resectable NSCLC harbouring oncogene alterations who had received neoadjuvant treatment were retrospectively recruited, and an oncogene-negative cohort of patients who received neoadjuvant PD-(L)1 blockade-based neoadjuvant treatment was reviewed for comparison during the same period. The primary aim was to observe the treatment efficacy and event-free survival (EFS) of these agents. Safety profile, molecular target, and immunologic factor data, including PD-L1 expression and tumour mutational burden (TMB), were also obtained. Results: A total of 46 patients were recruited. Thirty-one of them harboured oncogene alterations, including EGFR, KRAS, ERBB2, ROS1, MET, RET, ALK, and FGFR3 alterations. Among the oncogene-positive patients, 18 patients received neoadjuvant PD-(L)1 blockade immunotherapy plus chemotherapy (oncogene-positive IO group), 13 patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or corresponding TKIs or TKIs alone (oncogene-positive chemo/TKIs group), and the other 15 patients were oncogene negative and received neoadjuvant PD-(L)1 blockade plus chemotherapy (oncogene-negative IO group). The pathological complete response (pCR) and major pathological response (MPR) rates were 22.2% (4 of 18) and 44.4% (8 of 18) in the oncogene-positive IO group, 0% (P = 0.120) and 23.1% (3 of 13) (P = 0.276) in the oncogene-positive chemo/TKIs group, and 46.7% (7 of 15) (P = 0.163) and 80.0% (12 of 15) (P = 0.072) in the oncogene-negative IO group, respectively. By the last follow-up, the median EFS time had not reached in the oncogene-positive IO group, and was 29.5 months in the oncogene-positive chemo/TKIs group and 38.4 months in the oncogene-negative IO group. Conclusion: Compared with chemotherapy/TKIs treatment, neoadjuvant treatment with PD-(L)1 blockade plus platinum-based chemotherapy was associated with higher pCR/MPR rates in patients with partially resectable oncogene-mutant NSCLC, while the pCR/MPR rates were lower than their oncogene-negative counterparts treated with PD-(L)1 blockade-based treatment. Specifically, oncogene alteration types and other predictors of response to immunotherapy should be taken into account in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To extend the service life of 316L stainless steel components in harsh environments, this study utilized laser cladding technology to enhance the hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of the 316L stainless steel surface. Nickel-based and cobalt-based cladding layers were prepared on the surface of the 316L stainless steel, and the microstructure and phases of the layers were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, the hardness of the substrate and the cladding layers was tested with a microhardness tester, the frictional wear performance was tested with a pin on disc wear tester, and the corrosion resistance was tested with an electrochemical workstation. The experimental results indicate that the nickel-based cladding layer primarily comprises the γ-(Fe, Ni), Cr7C3, and Ni3Si phases, with equiaxed and dendritic grains being the predominant morphologies. By contrast, the cobalt-based cladding layer mainly comprises the γ-Co, Cr7C3, and Co7W6 phases, with columnar and dendritic grains being the predominant morphologies. Both cladding layers displayed a significantly better microhardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance than the substrate. Between the two cladding layers, the nickel-based cladding layer demonstrated a superior microhardness, whereas the cobalt-based cladding layer slightly outperformed in wear resistance and corrosion resistance. The findings from our results are important for understanding the performance of laser-cladding layers and laying a scientific basis for the promotion and optimization of laser cladding technology in industrial applications. Moreover, our results showed that laser cladding technology is increasingly important in extending the service life of components and improving the material performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A belowground bud bank is a collection of asexual propagules produced by the underground storage organs of geophytes. Renewal through belowground bud banks is the main reproductive strategy of geophytes. The belowground bud bank density reflects the potential renewal capacity of geophyte communities. However, the effects of different perturbation regimes and habitats on the belowground bud bank density of geophytes are not comprehensively understood. Moreover, whether different types of belowground bud banks respond differently to perturbations is still unclear. For this meta-analysis, relevant papers on the effects of environmental perturbations on the belowground bud bank density of geophytes were systematically collected. The cumulative effect size of different perturbation regimes and habitats on belowground bud banks among different bud types was analyzed. Overall, the effect of environmental perturbations on belowground bud bank density was small, which may result from opposite or fluctuating responses of bud banks to different perturbations. Drought negatively affected bud bank density. Environmental perturbations decreased rhizome bud density but increased tiller bud density. In wetlands, perturbations decreased belowground bud bank density. However, no significant effect was found for other habitat types. In general, belowground bud banks of geophytes are highly resistant and resilient. Changes in belowground bud bank density depend on the type of perturbations, the habitats in which plants are distributed and the type of bud banks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have achieved CR 3000:1 for 4K ADS products including MNT & TV, while balancing such specifications of GTG, transmittance, driving voltage, color gamut etc. In this article, systematic analysis have been conducted and conclusions on the influences between high CR and negative LC, RGB, PVX and high‐collimation BLU have been drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A concrete production system (CPS) fault in dam engineering is one of the important factors influencing dam construction quality, which may directly affect the concrete-pouring construction progress and construction efficiency of the dam, and can even cause construction quality defects in the dam body. Reasonable classification and identification are of great significance to ensure the construction progress and quality of concrete dams. In this study, based on the concrete production logs of multiple concrete dams and literature reviews, a fault classification system for a CPS is proposed by comprehensively considering its mechanical structure characteristics and operating characteristics. The faults of the CPS are divided into 4 large categories and 22 subcategories. Additionally, the causes of CPS faults are summarized as human factors, environmental factors, mechanical component service life factors, and other factors. Based on the grey correlation analysis (GCA) method, a fault identification model of the CPS is established. With the actual production system fault statistical data of Shatuo hydropower station, the correlation coefficients for the four types of faults and the four influencing factors are calculated to determine the key faults of the CPS. The research results of the case study show that the service life factors of mechanical components have the greatest impact on batching metering system faults and mixer faults, with high grey correlation degrees of 84.66% and 76.85%, respectively. Environmental factors have the greatest impact on material delivery system faults and pneumatic system faults, with high grey correlation degrees of 90.81% and 94.9%, respectively. This paper provides theoretical support for the realization of fault pattern recognition of CPSs and provides a guiding reference for targeted fault handling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transitioning to low-carbon energy is key for reaching carbon neutrality and modernizing our energy systems, but it presents significant cost-related challenges for energy businesses. To foster optimal outcomes, this paper develops a game model including power generators, high-energy businesses, and consumers in the carbon trading framework. The model explores how different entities evolve their low-carbon strategies under social learning influence to optimize utility. Stability analysis of strategy and simulation experiments reveal the following findings: (1) Greater carbon quotas reduce power generators' low-carbon transition willingness while high-energy-consuming enterprises and consumers remain unchanged. (2) Higher prices for low-carbon products offered by high-energy-consuming enterprises boost low-carbon transition motivation across all parties. (3) Increased green premiums enhance revenue for all parties but are constrained by policy and carbon pricing. (4) Both direct and indirect increases in carbon emissions negatively impact the revenue and utility for all stakeholders. (5) Increasing social learning effect fosters a shift towards low-carbon strategies, accelerating the attainment of game equilibrium, and enhancing market stability and sustainability. This research provides decision support for carbon trading policy design and low-carbon transition of energy enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Octamer-binding transcription factor 4-positive circulating tumor cell (OCT4+CTC) exhibits high stemness and invasive potential, which may influence the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). This study aimed to assess the prognostic role of OCT4+CTC in advanced cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patients who received ICI treatment. Methods: In total, 40 advanced CCA patients who received ICI treatment were included, and CTC and OCT4 counts were detected via a Canpatrol system and an RNA in situ hybridization method before ICI treatment. Patients were subsequently divided into none CTC, OCT4−CTC, and OCT4+CTC groups. Patients were followed up for a median of 10.4 months. Results: The percentages of patients in none CTC, OCT4−CTC, and OCT4+CTC groups were 25.0%, 30.0%, and 45.0%, respectively. The proportion of patients with lymph node metastasis was highest in OCT4+CTC group, followed by none CTC group, and lowest in OCT4−CTC group (P = 0.025). The objective response rate (ORR) was lowest in OCT4+CTC group, moderate in OCT4−CTC group, and highest in none CTC group (P = 0.009), while disease control rate was not different among three groups (P = 0.293). In addition, progression-free survival (PFS) (P < 0.001) and overall survival (OS) (P = 0.001) were shorter in the OCT4+CTC group than in none CTC & OCT4−CTC group. Moreover, OCT4+CTC (versus none CTC) was independently linked with poorer PFS [hazard ratio (HR) = 6.752, P = 0.001] and OS (HR = 6.674, P = 0.003) in advanced CCA patients. Conclusion: OCT4+CTC relates to lymph node metastasis and shows a good predictive value for poor treatment response and survival in advanced CCA patients who receive ICI treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defect suppression via precursor additives is crucial to achieving high efficiency and stable perovskite quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (Pe‐QLEDs). Herein, a strategy using 4‐dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) is developed to simultaneously suppress halide interstitial and vacancy defects by tuning the crystallization process of perovskite quantum dots (Pe‐QDs) through coordinate bonding and chemical circumstance modulation, leading to faster radiative recombination and less carrier accumulation in the device. Meanwhile, the Pe‐QDs with defect suppression demonstrate higher ion migration activation energies. Thanks to the defect suppression strategy with the aid of the alkyl sulfonic group, the obtained Pe‐QDs exhibit an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of up to 20.4% and an operating lifetime of over 100 h in QLED, which is the leading performance of green Pe‐QLEDs. This work provides a strategy from a different aspect for the perovskite QLED field in improving the performance and stability of devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, a novel aluminum-gallium-phosphate (GAHPO) metal-inorganic framework structure was prepared by hydrothermal method, and it was fully characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and gravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimeter (TG-DSC). Single crystal X-ray diffraction results show that GAHPO is attributed to the trigonal system and Rc3 space group. Al(Ga) O6 octahedra and PO4 tetrahedral structures is distorted to form one-dimensional chains, and then is stacked into three-dimensional metal-inorganic frameworks through hydrogen bonding. TG-DSC shows that GAHPO is of high thermal stability, with the initial decomposition temperature of 240 ²C. Compared with aluminum phosphate, the introduction of Ga3+ distorted the AlPO4 lattice, thus weakening and elongating the Al--O bond, which makes more acid catalytic sites exposed and enhanced the catalytic activity. The experiment shows that when the reaction temperature is 60 ²C, and the catalyst dosage is 10% of acetaldehyde, GAHPO could catalyze the condensation of acetaldehyde to produce butanolal with good conversion rate (47%) and excellent selectivity ( >99%). The reaction mechanism of acetaldehyde condensation catalyzed by GAHPO was investigated using scavengers, NH3-TPD and specially designed derivatives to confirm the reactive sites of the catalyst and the substrate. This work provides a feasible way for novel aluminum inorganic framework structures and the catalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) play essential roles in most biological processes. The binding interfaces between interacting proteins impose evolutionary constraints that have successfully been employed to predict PPIs from multiple sequence alignments (MSAs). To construct MSAs, critical choices have to be made: how to ensure the reliable identification of orthologs, and how to optimally balance the need for large alignments versus sufficient alignment quality. Here, we propose a divide-and-conquer strategy for MSA generation: instead of building a single, large alignment for each protein, multiple distinct alignments are constructed under distinct clades in the tree of life. Coevolutionary signals are searched separately within these clades, and are only subsequently integrated using machine learning techniques. We find that this strategy markedly improves overall prediction performance, concomitant with better alignment quality. Using the popular DCA algorithm to systematically search pairs of such alignments, a genome-wide all-against-all interaction scan in a bacterial genome is demonstrated. Given the recent successes of AlphaFold in predicting direct PPIs at atomic detail, a discover-and-refine approach is proposed: our method could provide a fast and accurate strategy for pre-screening the entire genome, submitting to AlphaFold only promising interaction candidates—thus reducing false positives as well as computation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the deformation mechanism of sand around the spudcan, the model test for spudcan-sand interaction was carried out by employing transparent media, which is also called "transparent soil". By means of the technology of Particle Image Velocimetry, the displacement vector field and contour map of sand around the spudcan were obtained. Based on the theory of circular hole expansion and segmented displacement iteration algorithm, the load settlement variation law of pile shoes under static load was derived; Compared with the experimental results, it was found that the calculation error was approximately 11.7%. Calculate the theoretical displacement value of the soil around the pile shoe using the shallow strain path method; Compared with the experimental results, it was found that the calculation error was between 16.7% and 26.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: ACT001 is an anti-inflammatory agent that has been widely investigated for its role in tumors, intracranial diseases, and fibrotic diseases, but its effect on acute lung injury is less known. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of ACT001 on regulating inflammation and pyroptosis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced alveolar macrophages. Methods: NR8383 alveolar macrophages treated with LPS were used to replicate the proinflammatory macrophage phenotype observed during acute lung injury. After ACT001 treatment, we measured the secretion and expression levels of critical inflammatory cytokines, the rate of pyroptosis, and the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-associated proteins and pyroptosis-associated proteins. In addition, we assessed the role of the PPAR-γ/NF-κB signaling pathways and further validated the results with a PPAR-γ inhibitor. Results: Our findings confirmed that ACT001 reduced the expression and release of inflammatory factors, attenuated cell pyroptosis, and downregulated the expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 p20, and GSDMD-N. These effects may be achieved by activating PPAR-γ expression and then inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. When macrophages were treated with the PPAR-γ inhibitor, the protective effects of ACT001 were reversed. Conclusion: ACT001 significantly ameliorated inflammation and pyroptosis via the PPAR-γ/NF-κB signaling pathways in LPS-induced NR8383 alveolar macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dabie Orogenic Belt is rich in geothermal resources, while relevant research is insufficient. To further find out the reserves of geothermal resources and their sources in the Dabie Orogenic Belt, reveal the mechanism of thermal circulations, and conduct quantitative assessments of the recharge sources, temperature of thermal reservoirs and depth of thermal circulations in the research area, on basis of thorough understanding of the geological conditions of the geothermal resources in the Dabie Orogenic Belt, four groups of geothermal water samples and six groups of underground cold water samples were collected in Xifei Geothermal Field for quantitative calculation, so as to test the hydrochemical characteristics and analyse the evolution process of geothermal water. The calculation results show that the geothermal water in Xifei Geothermal Field can be classified into SO4–Na type, and the main anions and cations in it derive from the dissolution of silicate and gypsum minerals. The data of δD and δ18O shows that the geothermal water is mainly recharged by the percolation of meteoric water. The temperature of geothermal reservoirs calculated with quartz and chalcedony geo-thermometers and by simulated multi-mineral equilibrium ranges from 85.05 to 116.31 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyaniline−dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (PANI‐DBSA) particles were synthesized through in situ lotion polymerization of aniline and DBSA as raw materials, followed by combining with epoxy resin (E‐44) and castor oil (CO) to prepare a PANI mixture (PANI‐DBSA/CO) which was used as a nanofiller to create a nano polyaniline/polyurethane (PANI‐PU) interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) coating. SEM, XRD and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the PANI‐DBSA and PANI‐PU IPN composite coatings that were produced. The coatings' physical and mechanical characteristics were investigated, as well as the system's corrosion behaviour in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, utilizing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electrokinetic polarization. Acid, alkali and saltwater immersion investigations were used to further evaluate the coatings' medium resistance. The results show that when PANI‐DBSA is added at 1 wt%, the contact angle reaches 102.6°, the adhesion reaches S1 grade after 720 h immersion, the tensile strength is 16.22 MPa and the elongation reaches 208%. The impedance value of the composite coating grew by 569 times with the addition of 1 wt% PANI, and the resistance duration to 10 wt% H2SO4, 10 wt% NaOH and 3.5 wt% NaCl reached more than 90 days. The addition of PANI to IPN coatings can increase corrosion resistance and extend their application range. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A green and sustainable approach was employed to synthesize N, O-codoped porous carbon nanorods with two-end-open characteristics. In this method, a crab shell was utilized as a template and activator, while egg white served as a carbon precursor. The resulting carbon nanorods sintered at 700 °C (CNRs-700), exhibited cross-linked pore channels, a high surface area, and abundant defects and active sites. These features imparted superior energy storage properties to the material, enabling its application as both an anode for lithium-ion batteries and a supercapacitor. The CNRs-700 demonstrated an exceptional lithium storage capacity of 530.6 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1, corresponding to 90.1% of the capacity achieved at 100 mA g−1, which is ascribed to the pseudocapacitive contribution. Furthermore, in an evaluation combining a three-electrode configuration in KOH electrolyte at a high current density of 50 A g−1, the CNRs-700 retained a specific capacitance of 140 F g−1. For symmetrical supercapacitors based on CNRs-700 in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte, the energy density reached 27.1 Wh kg−1 at a 375 W kg−1 power density, demonstrating remarkable cyclability over 10,000 consecutive cycles. The superior rate performance and cycling stability would accentuate the suitability of the biomass-derived carbon materials for such systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyaniline (PANI) particles were synthesized using aniline (AN), dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (DBSA), and ammonium persulfate (APS). The particles were analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A PANI/waterborne polyurethane composite material (PANI‐WPU) was obtained by combining it with polyethylene glycol (PEG600), diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA), N‐methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), and dibutyltin lauric acid (DBTDL). The structure was characterized by the FTIR spectrum. The mechanical characteristics of the coating film were evaluated with respect to the PANI content, as well as its water absorption, glossiness, electrochemical corrosion resistance, and acid and alkali resistance. The PANI/waterborne polyurethane film has a maximum tensile strength of 23 ±1$$ \pm 1 $$ MPa, an elongation of 1012%, a pencil hardness of 5H, a flexibility of 2 mm, an impact resistance of 50 cm, the water absorption of 14.66%, and the glossiness of 99.9 ±0.1$$ \pm 0.1 $$ at 60°. When the PANI content is 0.7%, the mechanical characteristics, glossiness, and anti‐corrosion performance of the composite film improve. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of the aqueous polyurethane coating film with PANI can reach 99.74%, as shown by the examination of electrochemical polarization curves and impedance spectra. The tinplate is coated with a 0.7% PANI‐WPU composite material and edge sealing. This coating provides excellent protection against acid and alkali resistance, as demonstrated by its ability to withstand immersion in 10% H2SO4 and 10% NaOH solution for 90 days without any paint peeling off. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jarosite has high specific surface area and strong adsorption capacity, researchers usually use some methods to prepare jarosite and use it as an adsorption material, mainly used in a large number of mines and other industrial wastewater treatment and other fields. The results show that it has strong ad-sorption and coprecipitation for heavy metals such as Cr, Cd, Hg, Pb, As, etc., therefore, the formation mechanism of jarosite and the study of jarosite as adsorbent are reviewed, in order to provide some ideas for more scholars to study jarosite, and then make the best use of its adsorption performance, it also provides a theoretical basis for the treatment of heavy metal pollution in mining areas and industrial wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is primarily caused by endometrial injury, and hysteroscopic adhesiolysis is presently the main treatment. However, postoperative recurrence and poor pregnancy outcomes remain intractable. In this study, we aim to assess the effects of different treatments on clinical symptoms and reproductive outcomes in IUA. This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary university-affiliated women's hospital. The study included 1449 consecutive women who desired to have a baby and were diagnosed with IUA through hysteroscopy from January 2016 to December 2021. Patients with IUA underwent hysteroscopic electric resection (E) or cold scissors separation (C), as well as hormone therapy and one or both of the following secondary prevention measures: intrauterine devices (IUD) and hyaluronic acid gel (HA). The pregnancy rate (PR) was significantly higher in the E + IUD + HA (90.23% CI: 85.82, 94.64%) than in other groups (p = 0.000) groups. The rates of full-term birth (p = 0.000) and live birth (p = 0.000) were significantly higher in the E + IUD + HA (67.82% and 68.97%, respectively) and E + HA (62.41% and 63.91%, respectively) groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significantly higher PR in women who received second-look hysteroscopy (OR 1.571, 95% CI: 1.009–2.224, p = 0.013) and E + IUD + HA (OR 4.772, 95% CI: 2.534–8.987, p = 0.000). Combining hysteroscopic electric resection with IUDs and HA gel could prevent adhesion recurrence and improve postoperative pregnancy and live birth outcomes in IUA. Furthermore, postoperative second-look hysteroscopy may increase the PR and shorten the waiting period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel high-speed directly modulated two-section distributed-feedback (TS-DFB) semiconductor laser based on the detuned-loading effect is proposed and simulated. A grating structure is designed by the reconstruction-equivalent-chirp (REC) technique. A π phase shift is introduced into the reflection grating, which can provide a narrow-band reflection region with a sharp falling slope on both sides of the reflection spectrum, thus enhancing the detuned-loading effect. Owing to its unique dual-falling-edges structure, the bandwidth can be improved even when the lasing wavelength shifts beyond the left falling edge due to a thermal effect in the actual test, in which condition the detuned-loading effect can be used twice, which greatly improves the yield. The modulation bandwidth is increased from 17.5 GHz for a single DFB laser to around 24 GHz when the lasing wavelength is located on the left falling edge of the TS-DFB laser based on the detuned-loading effect, and it can be increased to 22 GHz for the right side. An eight-channel laser array with precise wavelength spacing is investigated, with a side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) >36 dB. In addition, TS-DFB lasers with uniform reflection gratings are studied, and simulated results show that the modulation characteristic is far inferior to the laser with a phase-shifted grating reflector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D polyphase molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has become a popular material for energy conversion and interdisciplinary applications. Because of the charge transfer (CT) and band bending at the interface, the construction of MoS2 heterostructures (HSs) and heterophases (HPs) may offer new avenues toward the artificial manipulation of carriers, excitons and light at the atomic level, which is key to catalytic/photoelectrical properties. However, few papers have analyzed the carrier dynamics and optical responses of HSs and HPs from the perspective of their composition and interaction effects. Here, we review the ongoing efforts in tailoring the properties of MoS2 in the energy conversion field by forming heterogeneous interfaces. First, the basic knowledge of MoS2 is briefly introduced. Then, recent progress in the design, properties and preparation of MoS2 HSs and HPs is discussed in detail. The design concepts are highlighted from the perspective of band and geometric matching. Emphasis is placed on the component/thickness/stack orientation dependent carrier dynamics and optical responses. Finally, the applications of these materials based on the enhanced catalytic/photoelectronic properties are summarized. We hope that this review will help beginners understand how to effectively customize the physical/chemical properties of MoS2 by carrier modulation and bandgap design, facilitate the development of new and improved MoS2-based structures, and assist in the application of low-dimensional HSs and HPs in more fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although some epidemiological studies have identified the associations between exposure to organophosphate pesticides (Ops) and respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus (DM), and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), controversial results still exist. In this review and meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the overall pooled effect estimates and the possible mechanisms of the relationship between OP exposure and adverse health outcomes. In this study, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, OVID, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched until September 2022. Nineteen observational studies that focused on the general population or occupational populations examined the associations between OP exposure and respiratory diseases, DM, and CVD were included. Based on the overall pooled results, a significantly positive association was observed between OP exposure and respiratory diseases (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.06–1.19). A significant link was also observed between various individual species of OP exposure and respiratory diseases, with an OR value of 1.11 (95% CI: 1.05–1.18). In particular, there was a significant association of OPs with wheezing and asthma, with OR values of 1.19 (95% CI: 1.08–1.31) and 1.13 (95% CI: 1.05–1.22), respectively. In addition, a significant association was also observed between OP exposure and DM (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.07–1.29). However, no significant association was observed between OP exposure and CVD (OR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.94–1.05). Exposure to OPs was associated with a significantly increased risk of respiratory diseases and DM, but there was no evidence of a significant association between OP exposure and CVD. Considering the moderate strength of the results, further evidence is needed to confirm these associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in order to investigate the distribution characteristics of mineral elements in different sesame tissues. The content of Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu and Zn in different tissues was determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results showed a significant variation of mineral elements content in the different sesame tissues. The highest average Ca content was in leaves (2151.61 mg/100g), followed by 20 d seeds (984.18 mg/100g). Mg was predominant in leaves and 20 d seeds with an average content of 390.23 mg/100g and 300.01 mg/100g, respectively. The content of Fe in leaves was the highest, with an average of 19.98mg/100g. The Cu and Zn contents were the lowest in different tissues, both less than 5.00 mg/100g, and the highest Cu content in leaves. In mature seeds, Ca and Mg contents were the highest, with an average of 1133.64 mg/ 100g and 382.85 mg/100g, respectively. Regarding seed coat color, brown sesame seeds exhibited the highest Ca, Mg, and Cu contents with average values of 1342.68 mg/100g, 445.95 mg/100g and 2.38 mg/100g, respectively. Black and light brown sesame seeds exhibited the highest content of Fe (11.77 mg/100g) and Zn (7.70 mg/100g), respectively. We observed a significant positive correlation (P < 0.01) between the contents of Ca and Mg in both the different tissues and colored seeds. Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between Cu, Ca, and Mg contents in the different tissues and between Zn and Fe contents in mature seeds. Our findings may provide theoretical and technical guidance for sesame comprehensive utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal nitrides are considered as the promising materials in the energy conversion processes due to the similar electronic structures to Pt. In this work, a series of Ni/TMN−C (TM=V, Mo, Nb, Ta) catalysts were synthesized and investigated the catalytic performance for methanol oxidation reaction in alkaline media. The electrochemical measurements indicated that the TNNs‐modified Ni/C catalysts exhibited higher activity, kinetics, charge transfer and stability for alkaline MOR compared with Ni/C. It was found that the incorporation of TMNs improved the activity and stability for MOR in various degree. Specially, Ni/VN−C showed the highest catalytic activity, nearly three times higher than that of Ni/C due to the highest coverage of the surface component NiOOH, consistent with the Tafel and EIS results that it exhibited the fastest charge transfer kinetics and reaction rate. XPS characterization indicated that the obvious electron interaction occurred between the TMNs and Ni species and Ni would transfer electrons to the transition metal nitrides, resulting in the electron‐rich states of TMNs. Interestingly, combining the d‐band center and activity of the corresponding catalysts, it could be found that a volcano plot existed between them, suggesting that the introduction of appropriate nitrides would change the electronic structure of Ni and enhance the catalytic performance for MOR in alkaline media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to aldehydes has been linked to adverse health outcomes such as inflammation and oxidative stress, but research on the effects of these compounds is limited. This study is aimed at assessing the association between aldehyde exposure and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Methods: The study used data from the NHANES 2013–2014 survey (n = 766) and employed multivariate linear models to investigate the relationship between aldehyde compounds and various markers of inflammation (alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), and lymphocyte count) and oxidative stress (bilirubin, albumin, and iron levels) while controlling for other relevant factors. In addition to generalized linear regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) analyses were applied to examine the single or overall effect of aldehyde compounds on the outcomes. Results: In the multivariate linear regression model, each 1 standard deviation (SD) change in propanaldehyde and butyraldehyde was significantly associated with increases in serum iron levels (beta and 95% confidence interval, 3.25 (0.24, 6.27) and 8.40 (0.97, 15.83), respectively) and the lymphocyte count (0.10 (0.04, 0.16) and 0.18 (0.03, 0.34), respectively). In the WQS regression model, a significant association was discovered between the WQS index and both the albumin and iron levels. Furthermore, the results of the BKMR analysis showed that the overall impact of aldehyde compounds was significantly and positively correlated with the lymphocyte count, as well as the levels of albumin and iron, suggesting that these compounds may contribute to increased oxidative stress. Conclusions: This study reveals the close association between single or overall aldehyde compounds and markers of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which has essential guiding value for exploring the impact of environmental pollutants on population health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anatomical and physiological architecture of the craniofacial bone is intricate. Hence, the exact management of osteogenesis is necessary for the regeneration of the deficiencies that present in this area. Stem-based tissue engineering approaches, as opposed to conventional surgical intervention, induce bone growth with minimal postoperative risk and expense. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC)'s pluripotent differentiation potential, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties underpin its versatility as a therapeutic agent in bone tissues. Inspired by the native stem cell niche, hydrogels are preferred choices to mediate cells and adapt to 3-D environment because of their outstanding swelling capabilities and similarity to natural extracellular matrices (ECMs). Due to their remarkable biocompatibility and capacity for stimulating bone regeneration, bone regeneration hydrogels have also received a great deal of interest. This review explores the opportunities of MSC based regenerative skeletal therapies, introduces the application of hydrogel scaffolds as artificial bone microenvironments for stem cells to explore its usage in craniofacial bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heart failure (HF) patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are rather poorly studied based on varying left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) classification. Characteristics and prognosis of patients in ICUs with HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF), HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) require further clarification. Methods: Data involving clinical information and 4-year follow-up records of HF patients were extracted and integrated from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database. Tests were carried out to identity differences among these three HF subtypes. Prognostic analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional-hazards regression modeling. To develop a novel prediction nomogram, forward selection was used as the best-fit model. Prognostic heterogeneity of the subgroups prespecified by stratification factors in pairwise comparisons was presented using forest plots. Results: A total of 4150 patients were enrolled in this study. HFmrEF had the lowest all-cause mortality rate during the 4-year follow-up, which was significantly different from HFrEF and HFpEF (Log-Rank p < 0.001). The Cox proportional-hazards regression model also showed that a comparison of HFrEF versus HFmrEF indicated a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.76 (95% CI 0.61-0.94, p = 0.011) and HFrEF versus HFpEF indicated a HR 0.93 (95% CI 0.82-1.07, p = 0.307). Following a multivariable analysis, 13 factors were confirmed as independent. A new nomogram was established and quantified with a concordance index (C-index) of 0.70 (95% CI 0.67-0.73), and the internal validation indicated the accuracy of the model. Stratification factors such as a history of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and comorbidity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) induced prognostic heterogeneity among the three subtypes. Conclusions: Clinical characteristics and prognosis significantly varied among the three subtypes of HF patients in ICUs, with HFmrEF patients achieving the best prognosis. The novel prediction model, tailored for this population, showed a satisfying prediction ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous decline of traditional fossil energy has cast the shadow of an energy crisis on human society. Hydrogen generated from renewable energy sources is considered as a promising energy carrier, which can effectively promote the energy transformation of traditional high-carbon fossil energy to low-carbon clean energy. Hydrogen storage technology plays a key role in realizing the application of hydrogen energy and liquid organic hydrogen carrier technology, with many advantages such as storing hydrogen efficiently and reversibly. High-performance and low-cost catalysts are the key to the large-scale application of liquid organic hydrogen carrier technology. In the past few decades, the catalyst field of organic liquid hydrogen carriers has continued to develop and has achieved some breakthroughs. In this review, we summarized recent significant progress in this field and discussed the optimization strategies of catalyst performance, including the properties of support and active metals, metal–support interaction and the combination and proportion of multi-metals. Moreover, the catalytic mechanism and future development direction were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Inflammation is closely associated with the pathogenesis of vascular dementia (VD). Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) is a small molecule compound extracted from the seeds of Chinese celery, which have anti-inflammatory properties in animal models of acute ischemia and patients with stroke. In this experiment, we studied the protective effects of NBP in a rat model of VD induced by permanent bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries and investigated the role of the TLR-4/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway in the pathology of VD. Methods: The Morris water maze test was used to evaluate cognitive deficits in the VD rats. Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and PCR analyses were used to analyze the molecular basis of the inflammatory response. Results: NBP significantly improved the learning and memory ability of VD rats. With regard to the protective mechanism, the results showed that NBP significantly downregulated the relative expression of Cleaved Cas-1/Cas-1 and Cleaved GSDMD/GSDMD. Moreover, NBP decreased the levels of the TLR-4 and NF-κB (P65) protein and phosphorylation of P65 in the hippocampus of VD rats via the TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that NBP protects against memory deficits in permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion-induced VD rats by attenuating pyroptosis via the TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the components and levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives (MPAHs and OPAHs) in plasma samples from 19 oil workers, pre- and post-workshift, and their exposure–response relationship with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) methylation. PAH, MPAH, OPAH, and platelet mtDNA methylation levels were determined using a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and a pyrosequencing protocol, respectively. The total plasma concentrations of PAHs in mean value were, respectively, 31.4 ng/mL and 48.6 ng/mL in pre- and post-workshift, and Phe was the most abundant (13.3 ng/mL in pre-workshift and 22.1 ng/mL in post-workshift, mean value). The mean values of total concentrations of MPAHs and OPAHs in the pre-workshift were 2.7 ng/mL and 7.2 ng/mL, while in the post-workshift, they were 4.5 ng/mL and 8.7 ng/mL, respectively. The differences in the mean MT-COX1, MT-COX2, and MT-COX3 methylation levels between pre- and post-workshift were 2.36%, 5.34%, and 0.56%. Significant (p < 0.05) exposure–response relationships were found between PAHs and mtDNA methylation in the plasma of workers; exposure to Anthracene (Ant) could induce the up-regulation of the methylation of MT-COX1 (β = 0.831, SD = 0.105, p < 0.05), and exposure to Fluorene (Flo) and Phenanthrene (Phe) could induce the up-regulation of methylation of MT-COX3 (β = 0.115, SD = 0.042, p < 0.05 and β = 0.036, SD = 0.015, p < 0.05, respectively). The results indicated that exposure to PAHs was an independent factor influencing mtDNA methylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimentally understanding the effects of clay type and fraction on the elastic properties of clay-bearing sandstone is crucial for exploring hydrocarbon reservoirs. Therefore, we artificially synthesized a series of pure clay rocks and clay-bearing sandstones with different clay types and fractions, and conducted the ultrasonic measurements to investigate the elastic behaviors. According to experiments on pure clay rocks, illite rocks have the highest porosity, followed by montmorillonite rocks and chlorite rocks. In terms of elastic properties, illite rocks show the highest ultrasonic P- and S-wave velocities, followed by chlorite rocks and montmorillonite rocks. For clay-bearing sandstones, the measured results indicate that clay types and fractions significantly influence both the physical and elastic properties. Specifically, the porosity of chlorite-bearing sandstone is systematically lower than that of illite-bearing and montmorillonite-bearing sandstone. The chlorite-bearing sandstone has the highest P- and S-wave velocities, followed by illite-bearing and montmorillonite-bearing sandstone. Moreover, the clay fraction also affects porosity–velocity trends. The porosity first falls and then increases as the clay fraction rises, while the P- and S-wave velocities first rise and then fall and, in turn the turning point occurs at the ∼30% clay fraction. The potential mechanism of the turning point is analyzed based on the microscopic distribution of clay and sandstone. Additionally, the clay fraction and distribution also affect the electrical conductivity and permeability of the clay-bearing sandstone, implies that the clay types, clay fraction and clay distribution are non-negligible factors in reservoir evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of magnetic carbon nanotubes for multi-modal cancer treatment, incorporating both hyperthermia and drug delivery functions, has drawn substantial interest. Yet, the present method of regulating hyperthermia temperature involves manually adjusting the magnetic field intensity, adding to the complexity and difficulty of clinical applications. This study seeks to design novel magnetic carbon nanotubes capable of self-temperature regulation, and investigate their drug loading and release characteristics. Using the co-precipitation method, we synthesized magnetic carbon nanotubes with a Curie temperature of 43 °C. A comprehensive investigation was conducted to analyze their morphology, crystal structure, and magnetic characteristics. To enhance their functionality, chitosan and sodium alginate modifications were introduced, enabling the loading of the antitumor drug doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) into these magnetic carbon nanotubes. Subsequently, the loading and release properties of DOX were investigated within the modified magnetic nanotubes. Under alternating magnetic field, magnetic carbon nanotubes exhibit self-regulating properties by undergoing a magnetic phase transition, maintaining temperatures around 43 °C as required for hyperthermia. On the other hand, during magnetic induction heating, the release percentage of DOX reached 23.5% within 2 h and 71.7% within 70 h at tumor pH conditions, indicating their potential for sustained drug release. The prepared magnetic carbon nanotubes can effectively regulate the temperature during hyperthermia treatment while ensuring controlled drug release, which presents a promising method for preparing nanomaterials that synergistically enhance magnetic hyperthermia and chemotherapy drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the computing power of High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems having stepped into the exascale era, more complex problems can be solved with scientific applications on a large scale. However, due to the significant performance gap between computing nodes and storage subsystems, suboptimal design for the Input/Output (I/O) module will significantly impede the efficiency of scientific applications, especially for the ubiquitous atmosphere applications. Two-phase I/O implemented in N-to-1 mode creates a serious bottleneck that hinders the scalability for the Model for Prediction Across Scales-Atmosphere (MPAS-A) on the new generation Sunway supercomputer. To address the I/O problem, we apply a custom data reorganization method to enable N-to-M I/O mode to exploit the parallel file system's performance and limit the data transfer among MPI ranks to a restricted scope to alleviate communication overhead. Moreover, we have conducted several methods to accelerate the computations, including the redesign for tracer transport, a hybrid buffering scheme, and a three-level parallelization scheme, which allows MPAS-A to use all heterogeneous computing resources efficiently. Experimental results show admirable scalability and efficiency of our I/O method, which achieves speedups of 41× and 58.9× for input and output compared with the raw I/O method on 30,000 MPI ranks. By scaling MPAS-A to 39 million heterogeneous cores, we demonstrate the necessity of a well-constructed I/O module for a real-world atmosphere application. Speed tests show that our optimization methods obtain good results for computations, and MPAS-A achieves a speed of 0.82 Simulated Day per Hour (SDPH) and 0.76 parallel efficiency of strong scaling with 600,000 MPI ranks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]