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Band structure and Dirac degeneracy are essential features of sonic crystals/acoustic metamaterials to achieve advanced control of exciting wave effects. In this work, we explore a deep learning approach for the design of phononic crystals with desired dispersion. A plane wave expansion method is utilized to establish the dataset relation between the structural parameters and the energy band features. Subsequently, a multilayer perceptron model trained using the dataset can yield accurate predictions of wave behavior. Based on the trained model, we further impose a re-learning process around a targeted frequency, by which Dirac degeneracy and double Dirac degeneracy can be embedded into the band structures. Our study enables the deep learning approach as a reliable design strategy for Dirac structures/metamaterials, opening up the possibilities for intriguing wave physics associated with Dirac cone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for achieving rapid generation and annihilation of skyrmions is to apply local heating. However, the mechanism underlying heating-induced skyrmion formation is poorly understood, and achieving deterministic thermal excitation remains a major challenge. In this study, we utilized micromagnetic simulations to generate and annihilate individual skyrmions in a two-dimensional homogeneous ferromagnetic film with Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interactions using a localized heating method without the assistance of an external magnetic field. By introducing pinning into the uniformly magnetized ferromagnetic background, the energy difference between the initial state and the skyrmion state is reduced, and the efficiency of generating skyrmions through local heating is improved. Additionally, deterministic annihilation of skyrmions can be achieved by exploiting the peculiarity that the energy of the skyrmion state is greater than that of the ground state. Based on this work, a practical application of skyrmions as a new type of information storage unit is proposed using a purely thermal approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Omnichannel retailers face the elusive challenge of maintaining customer patronage in the current competitive business environment. Drawing upon the flow theory and literature on omnichannel integration, this study investigated how different types of omnichannel integration (i.e. informational, transactional, and relational integration) influence customer patronage through the flow experience. Additionally, this study examined the potential moderating role of retailer-customer value congruence in the impact of omnichannel integration. We collected survey data from 292 omnichannel customers to test our research model. The results showed that the flow experience mediated the positive effects of transactional integration and relational integration on customer patronage. Additionally, value congruence positively moderated the effects of informational integration and relational integration on the flow experience. The implications and limitations of this study are further discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic interaction between phonons and dislocations in LiF has been studied using molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations have captured the strong dynamic interactions between low-frequency slow transverse acoustic phonons and dislocations that were observed in experiments. Simulation results reveal that the strong dynamic interaction is attributed to resonant interactions between dislocations and slow transverse acoustic phonons. Each dislocation segment is found to possess a set of resonant modes characterized by large-amplitude out-of-phase vibrations of atoms on both sides of the dislocation slip plane. The resonant frequencies associated with these modes exhibit a nearly linear distribution with respect to the mode order. Contrary to previous beliefs, the resonant frequencies of dislocations exhibit only a weak correlation with the dislocation length. Additionally, each dislocation exhibits a dominant resonant mode that corresponds to the strongest vibration mode in response to phonons. This dominant resonant mode is not always the first resonant mode with the lowest frequency. Its specific order depends on the dislocation length. Simulation results have also demonstrated that the resonant modes of dislocations can be influenced by the interactions from neighboring dislocations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to help online grocery retailers determine the optimal return and refund policies for perishable grocery items. Three refund policies and two return requirements are modelled: no-refund, full-refund and partial-refund, with or without product return. We first derive the optimal refund policy under two scenarios, where either product return is or is not required for refund. We further analyse how market conditions impact the optimal policies. Lastly, we investigate when product return should be required for refund. Our results show that a more generous refund policy should be offered if the product has a higher profit margin, if an unsatisfactory product has a large negative impact on consumer utility, and if consumers have high return costs when product return is required for refund. Our results also show that it is optimal not to require the unwanted product to be returned when consumer's return cost and product return rate are above certain threshold values. This paper fills the gap in the literature on return and refund policies in an online grocery setting. The findings of this paper provide explicit guidance to online grocery businesses on how to optimally determine the return and refund policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functional group in the molecular chain of lubricants is a key factor for a boundary lubricating film, which can further enhance the friction performance by interfacial tribochemistry. In this paper, the tribological behavior of epoxy/graphene (EP/Gra) composites was investigated through varying lubrication conditions, including dry friction, or different lubricants (such as water, hexadecane, oleylamine, and oleic acid). The porosity and Shore hardness (SHD) of the EP composites were significantly improved by the addition of graphene. Results showed that the porosity of the EP/0.75 wt.% Gra composites was reduced by 75.6% and their SHD increased by 5.4 compared with the EP/0.05 wt.% Gra composites. The average coefficient of friction (COF) of the composites was reduced by at least 27.3% under dry friction conditions. For water as lubricant, the EP/0.5 wt.% Gra composite exhibited the lowest COF (0.0455). The EP/0.75 wt.% Gra composite displayed the lowest COF (0.0466) when hexadecane acted as lubricant. By contrast, EP/0.05 wt.% Gra showed the lowest COF (0.0389) with oleylamine as lubricant, and the EP/0.25 wt.% Gra composites gave the lowest COF (0.0433) under oleic acid. The amine group of oleylamine reacted with the EP group to form a hydroxyl group, resulting in a polymer with low friction adhered to the friction interface. Simultaneously, the EP group reacted with the carboxyl group, forming a network of hydrogen bonds with graphene, which reduced the shear stress on the friction interface. Therefore, the functional groups of lubricants have a vital influence on the tribological properties of frictional composites, which may provide a new approach to solving the problem of wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a new framework for cooperative games with restricted permutations, focusing on situations where not all possible player permutations occur. The framework allows players within an ordered coalition to exchange positions if it benefits them. To ensure stable connections among players, we introduce the concept of stably connected ordered coalitions, which incorporates the notions of objection and counter-objection. We then define an order-restricted game, a generalized characteristic function game derived from the original game. Additionally, inspired by the Shapley value, we propose an allowable value and provide its axiomatization. Finally, we explore several extensions of this value to further investigate its potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Sevoflurane, a commonly used inhaled anaesthetic known for its favourable safety profile and rapid onset and offset, has not been thoroughly investigated as a potential treatment for depression. In this study, we reveal the mechanism through which sevoflurane delivers enduring antidepressant effects. Experimental Approach: To assess the antidepressant effects of sevoflurane, behavioural tests were conducted, along with in vitro and ex vivo whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings, to examine the effects on GluN1–GluN2 incorporated N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs) and neuronal circuitry in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Multiple‐channel electrophysiology in freely moving mice was performed to evaluate sevoflurane's effects on neuronal activity, and GluN2D knockout (grin2d−/−) mice were used to confirm the requirement of GluN2D for the antidepressant effects. Key Results: Repeated exposure to subanaesthetic doses of sevoflurane produced sustained antidepressant effects lasting up to 2 weeks. Sevoflurane preferentially inhibited GluN2C‐ and GluN2D‐containing NMDARs, causing a reduction in interneuron activity. In contrast, sevoflurane increased action potentials (AP) firing and decreased spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current (sIPSC) in mPFC pyramidal neurons, demonstrating a disinhibitory effect. These effects were absent in grin2d−/− mice, and both pharmacological blockade and genetic knockout of GluN2D abolished sevoflurane's antidepressant actions, suggesting that GluN2D is essential for its antidepressant effect. Conclusion and Implications: Sevoflurane directly targets GluN2D, leading to a specific decrease in interneuron activity and subsequent disinhibition of pyramidal neurons, which may underpin its antidepressant effects. Targeting the GluN2D subunit could hold promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for treating depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a compact wearable metasurface transmission line operating at 2.45 GHz, utilizing spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP). The design incorporates a periodic arrangement of hook unit cells and a tapering structure to enhance coupling efficiency between the microstrip feed line and the metasurface transmission line. For its implementation, a dielectric substrate composed entirely of cotton denim jeans is employed, along with e-textile conductive traces and a ground plane. Electromagnetic wave propagation along the transmission line is simulated, and the primary wave mode and associated propagation characteristics are analyzed. Both simulation and measurement results confirm the successful performance of the metasurface transmission line for on-body signal transmissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impressive applications of artificial intelligence in the field of chemical reaction prediction heavily depend on abundant reliable datasets. The automated extraction of reaction procedures to build structured chemical databases is of growing importance. Here, we propose a novel model named DACRER for large-scale reaction extraction, in which transfer learning and a data augmentation strategy were employed. This model was evaluated for chemical datasets and shows good performance in identifying and processing chemical texts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) involves the progressive degradation of articular cartilage. Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-EXOs) have been shown to mitigate joint pathological injury by attenuating cartilage destruction. Optimization the yield and therapeutic efficacy of exosomes derived from MSCs is crucial for promoting their clinical translation. The preconditioning of MSCs enhances the therapeutic potential of engineered exosomes, offering promising prospects for application by enabling controlled and quantifiable external stimulation. This study aims to address these issues by employing pro-inflammatory preconditioning of MSCs to enhance exosome production and augment their therapeutic efficacy for OA. Methods: The exosomes were isolated from the supernatant of infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP)-MSCs preconditioned with a pro-inflammatory factor, TNF-α, and their production was subsequently quantified. The exosome secretion-related pathways in IPFP-MSCs were evaluated through high-throughput transcriptome sequencing analysis, q-PCR and western blot analysis before and after TNF-α preconditioning. Furthermore, exosomes derived from TNF-α preconditioned IPFP-MSCs (IPFP-MSC-EXOsTNF−α) were administered intra-articularly in an OA mouse model, and subsequent evaluations were conducted to assess joint pathology and gait alterations. The expression of proteins involved in the maintenance of cartilage homeostasis within the exosomes was determined through proteomic analysis. Results: The preconditioning with TNF-α significantly enhanced the exosome secretion of IPFP-MSCs compared to unpreconditioned MSCs. The potential mechanism involved the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in IPFP-MSCs by TNF-α precondition, leading to an up-regulation of autophagy-related protein 16 like 1(ATG16L1) levels, which subsequently facilitated exosome secretion. The intra-articular administration of IPFP-MSC-EXOsTNF−α demonstrated superior efficacy in ameliorating pathological changes in the joints of OA mice. The preconditioning of TNF-α enhanced the up-regulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) levels in IPFP-MSC-EXOsTNF−α, thereby exerting chondroprotective effects. Conclusion: TNF-α preconditioning constitutes an effective and promising method for optimizing the therapeutic effects of IPFP-MSCs derived exosomes in the treatment of OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most important comorbidities of diabetic patients, which places large physiological and economic burdens on patients. Safflower yellow, a natural pigment extracted from the petals of safflower, has been put into adjuvant therapy. Databases including Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, MEDLINE and etc. will be searched for relevant articles. A meta-analysis was carried out to assess the efficacy and safety of safflower yellow adjuvant to conventional treatment regimen using mean differences (MD) and rate ratios (RR). A cost-effectiveness analysis was also conducted based on the result of meta-analysis. Finally, 28 articles involving 2251 patients were included in meta-analysis. The results showed that compared with conventional treatment, the fasting blood-glucose (FBG) [MD = 0.40], urinary albumin ejection rate (UAER) within 24 h [MD = 48.16], serum creatinine (Scr) [MD = 9.63], blood urea nitrogen (BUN) [MD = 1.73] were significantly lower and the clinical efficacy [RR = 1.28] was more remarkable in safflower yellow adjuvant to conventional treatment group. Our analysis suggested that safflower yellow adjuvant to conventional treatment regimen not only had better clinical efficacy but more cost-effective than conventional treatment regimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrative analysis has emerged as a prominent tool in biomedical research, offering a solution to the "small n$$ n $$ and large p$$ p $$" challenge. Leveraging the powerful capabilities of deep learning in extracting complex relationship between genes and diseases, our objective in this study is to incorporate deep learning into the framework of integrative analysis. Recognizing the redundancy within candidate features, we introduce a dedicated feature selection layer in the proposed integrative deep learning method. To further improve the performance of feature selection, the rich previous researches are utilized by an ensemble learning method to identify "prior information". This leads to the proposed prior assisted integrative deep learning (PANDA) method. We demonstrate the superiority of the PANDA method through a series of simulation studies, showing its clear advantages over competing approaches in both feature selection and outcome prediction. Finally, a skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) dataset is extensively analyzed by the PANDA method to show its practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the interfacial bonding between hollow microspheres (RiM01) and natural rubber (NR), the silane coupling agents γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550) and γ‐methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH570) are used in this study as intermediate reaction platforms for the modification of (RiM01) with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), respectively. In the process, GMA reacts with KH550 and KH570 through epoxy group ring‐opening and free radical polymerization, respectively. Different NR/RiM01@GMA composites are prepared by a mechanical blending method. The results show that the addition of GMA improves the interfacial bonding between RiM01 and NR, and enhances the vulcanization rate and cross‐linking degree of the rubber composites. When KH550 is used as the reaction platform, the tensile strength of the rubber composites increases by 24% compared to composites with unmodified RiM01, while when KH570 is used, the tensile strength increases by 18%. Additionally, the tear strength and abrasion resistance of the rubber composites increase by 13% and 15%, respectively, when KH570 is used as the reaction platform. At the same time, the filler‐matrix interaction is strongest when KH570 is used as the reaction platform, and the rubber composites exhibit the lowest rolling resistance and the best resistance to heat and oxygen aging. Highlight: Modification of hollow microspheres by grafting GMA with KH550 and KH570, respectively.Improvement of rubber composite properties after modificationGMA improves the interfacial bonding between hollow microspheres and rubber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The repair and regeneration of cartilage is a challenge for scientists and clinical surgery. Achieving cell adhesion and regeneration, anti‐inflammatory, lubrication, targeted drug delivery and controlled release simultaneously in cartilage treatment are the goals of researchers. Polymer composites and hybrids have the potential to realize above functions in cartilage tissue engineering. This review refers to cartilage injuries, current clinical techniques, and their benefits and limitations, focusing on the most relevant and state of art of advanced polymers for cartilage tissue engineering. The frontier applications of multifunctional polymer composites and hybrids in cartilage tissue engineering are discussed in depth, including polymer scaffold, polymer bio‐lubricant, and zwitterionic polymer for drug delivery and sustained drug release. A summary of comprehensive properties of polymers such as processability, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, biodegradability, hydrophilicity, cytotoxicity, etc., and their mechanisms are analyzed. Furthermore, some key challenges and outstanding concerns on polymer‐based materials for cartilage tissue engineering are presented followed by future perspectives. Highlights: The state of art of advanced polymers for cartilage tissue engineering.The advanced bionic property and mechanism of polymer composites and hybrids.Polymers for scaffold, biolubricant, drug delivery, sustained drug release.Future perspectives on polymer composites, hybrids‐based cartilage materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, and Prolyl 4-Hydroxylase Subunit Beta (P4HB) expression is increased in high glucose (HG)-induced renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs). But it's role in HG-induced TECs remains to be elucidated. Methods: The HK-2 cells were induced using HG and transfected with SiRNA-P4HB. DCFH-DA staining was utilized for the detection of cellular levels of ROS. WB and immunofluorescence were utilized to detect the expression of P4HB, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), fibrosis, and TGFβ/SMAD3-related proteins in HK-2 cells. Online databases were utilized for predicting the interaction target of P4HB, and immunoprecipitation (IP) experiments were employed to validate the binding of P4HB with the target. SiRNA and overexpression vectors of target gene were used to verify the mechanism of action of P4HB. Results: HG induced an increase in the expression of P4HB and TGFβ, p-SMAD3, and ROS in HK-2 cells. Furthermore, HG downregulated the expression of E-cadherin and upregulated the expression of N-cadherin, Vimentin, α-SMA, Fibronectin, Collagen IV, SNAIL, and SLUG in HK-2 cells. Interfering with P4HB significantly reversed the expression of these proteins. Database predictions and IP experiments showed that P4HB interacts with PRMT1, and the expression of PRMT1 was increased in HG-induced HK-2 cells. Interfering with PRMT1 inhibited the changes in expression of EMT and fibrosis related proteins induced by HG. However, overexpression of PRMT1 weakened the regulatory effect of P4HB interference on the EMT, fibrosis, and TGFβ/SMAD3-related proteins in HK-2 cells. Conclusion: P4HB regulated the TGFβ/SMAD3 signaling pathway through PRMT1 and thus participates in HG-induced EMT and fibrosis in HK-2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Conventional minimally invasive surgery requires mini-laparotomy to extract the pathological specimen. However, by using a natural orifice as the delivery route, natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) surgery avoids the need for a large incision. This study analyzed the short-term outcome of NOSE compared with conventional mini-laparotomy (CL) for colorectal cancer surgery. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1,189 patients who underwent surgery for primary colorectal cancer between the cecum and upper rectum. Propensity score analyses were applied to the NOSE and CL groups in a 1:1 matched cohort. Results: After propensity score matching, each group included 201 patients. The NOSE group and CL group did not differ significantly in terms of baseline characteristics. Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were comparable. Compared with the CL group, the NOSE group experienced a shorter time to first flatus (1.6 ± 0.8 vs. 2.0 ± 1.2 days, p < 0.001), first stool (2.7 ± 1.5 vs. 4.1 ± 1.9, p < 0.001), liquid diet (2.3 ± 1.3 vs. 3.6 ± 1.8 days, p < 0.001), soft diet (3.9 ± 2.0 vs. 5.2 ± 1.9 days, p < 0.001) and a shorter hospital stay (5.1 ± 3.5 vs. 7.4 ± 4.8 days, p < 0.001). The NOSE group exhibited lower mean pain intensity and lower highest pain intensity on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. Conclusion: NOSE has several advantages over conventional mini-laparotomy following minimally invasive surgery for colon cancer. These advantages include reduced time to oral intake, shorter hospital stays, and less postoperative pain. NOSE can be adopted and applied to highly selective patients without additional risk of short-term complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Hippocampal-avoidance whole-brain radiotherapy (HA-WBRT) planning can present challenges. This study examines the influence of head tilt angles on the dosimetric characteristics of target and organs at risk (OARs), aiming to identify the optimal tilt angle that yields optimal dosimetric outcomes using tomotherapy (TOMO). Methods: Eight patients diagnosed with brain metastases underwent CT scans at five tilt angles: [0°, 10°), [10°, 20°), [20°, 30°), [30°, 40°), and [40°, 45°]. Treatment plans were generated using TOMO and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Dosimetric parameters including conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), D2cc, D98%, and Dmean of PTV, as well as Dmax, and Dmean of OARs were analyzed. Furthermore, a comparison was made between the dosimetric parameters of TOMO and VMAT plans. Finally, delivery efficiency of TOMO plans were assessed. Results: For the PTV, [40°, 45°] tilt angle demonstrated significantly better conformity, homogeneity, lower D2cc, and lower Dmean for the PTV. Regarding the OARs, the [40°, 45°] head tilt angle demonstrated significantly lower Dmax and Dmean in hippocampus, eyes, optic chiasm, and optic nerves. The [40°, 45°] tilt angle also showed significantly lower Dmax for brainstem and cochleas, as well as a lower Dmean for lens. In the [40°,45°] tilt angle for HA-WBRT, TOMO showed superior performance over VMAT for the PTV. TOMO achieved lower Dmax for brainstem, cochleas, optic nerves, and optic chiasm, as well as a lower Dmean for hippocampus. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between delivery time and the PTV projection length in the sagittal plane. Conclusion: The TOMO plan utilizing a tilt angle range of [40°, 45°] demonstrated superior PTV conformity and uniformity, along with enhanced OARs sparing. Furthermore, it exhibited a dosimetric advantage over VMAT for PTV and most OARs at the same angle range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthelmintics are drugs used for controlling pathogenic helminths in animals and plants. The natural compound betaine and the recently developed synthetic compound monepantel are both anthelmintics that target the acetylcholine receptor ACR-23 and its homologs in nematodes. Here, we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of ACR-23 in apo, betaine-bound, and betaine- and monepantel-bound states. We show that ACR-23 forms a homo-pentameric channel, similar to some other pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs). While betaine molecules are bound to the classical neurotransmitter sites in the inter-subunit interfaces in the extracellular domain, monepantel molecules are bound to allosteric sites formed in the inter-subunit interfaces in the transmembrane domain of the receptor. Although the pore remains closed in betaine-bound state, monepantel binding results in an open channel by wedging into the cleft between the transmembrane domains of two neighboring subunits, which causes dilation of the ion conduction pore. By combining structural analyses with site-directed mutagenesis, electrophysiology and in vivo locomotion assays, we provide insights into the mechanism of action of the anthelmintics monepantel and betaine. Synopsis: The anthelmintics monepantel and betaine target acetylcholine receptor like-23 (ACR-23) of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. This study provides cryo-electron microscopy structures of ACR-23 in various states to characterize how these compounds exert their anthelmintic functions. ACR-23 forms a homopentameric channel. One betaine molecule is bound to each of the five inter-subunit interfaces in the extracellular domain of ACR-23. One monepantel molecule is bound to each of the five inter-subunit interfaces in the transmembrane domain of ACR-23. The pore remains closed in the betaine-bound state, whereas monepantel binding induces pore dilation. Binding of both compounds together leads to outward movement and rotation of the pore-lining M2 helix, and eventually to channel opening. Structural and functional analyses elucidate the distinct binding modes of the anthelmintics monepantel and betaine on their receptor ACR-23. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning has gained attention due to its ongoing advancements and diverse applications. Within the field of homogeneous catalysis, a prominent area of research in machine learning revolves around predicting reaction yield in Pd‐catalyzed Buchwald–Hartwig amination reactions. This study sought to determine the optimal descriptors for representing the both structural and physical information associated with the reaction, particularly focusing on product details. To achieve this, we assessed the utilization of product extended molecular fingerprints (PEMF) and selected physical parameters (SPP). The utilization of a random forest model incorporating these descriptors yielded promising results in the prediction of reaction yields in Pd‐catalyzed Buchwald–Hartwig amination reactions. The model achieved an impressive R2 value of 0.943. Data preprocessing on PEMF and sorting preprocessing on physical parameters resulted in a significant reduction in data size to 259 bits PEMF+2 SPPs per prediction, much less than the two previous random forest models which utilized 480 physical parameters and 21,073 bits molecular fingerprints. Although establishing definitive correlations between SPPs and reaction yield presented challenges, our findings indicate that the presence of heavier atoms in the aryl halides may have a beneficial impact within the examined Pd‐catalyzed Buchwald–Hartwig amination reactions, as compared to their analogues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) is a highly contagious disease caused by Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV), resulting in a mortality rate of suckling piglets as high as 100%. Vaccination is the primary strategy for controlling PEDV infection, however, there is currently a lack of reliable methods for assessing the efficacy of vaccination. This study aimed to analyze serum and colostrum samples from 75 parturient sows with a specific vaccination strategy to measure levels of IgG, IgA, and neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) against PEDV, and to investigate the correlation between serum and colostrum antibody levels, as well as to identify potential biomarkers that can be used to evaluate immunization effects under field conditions. Results: The findings of correlation analysis between antibody levels of IgA, IgG, and nAbs in serum or colostrum samples revealed that IgG demonstrated the most robust correlation with nAbs exhibiting a correlation coefficient of 0.64 in serum samples. Conversely, IgA exhibited the highest correlation with nAbs, with a correlation coefficient of 0.47 in colostrum samples. Additionally, the correlation analysis of antibody levels between serum and colostrum samples indicated that serum IgA displayed the strongest correlation with colostrum IgA, with a coefficient of 0.63, indicating that serum IgA may serve as a viable alternative indicator for evaluating IgA levels in colostrum samples. To further evaluate the suitability of serum IgA as a substitute marker for colostrum IgA, levels of IgA antibodies in serum samples from sows were examined both pre- and post-parturition. The findings indicated that serum IgA levels were initially low prior to the initial immunization, experienced a notable rise 21 days after immunization, and maintained a significant elevation compared to pre-immunization levels from 21 days pre-parturition to 14 days postpartum, spanning a total of 35 days. Conclusions: Serum anti-PEDV IgA antibody levels may serve as a valuable predictor for immunization effects, allowing for the assessment of colostrum IgA antibody levels up to 21 days in advance. This insight could enable veterinarians to timely adjust or optimize immunization strategies prior to parturition, thereby ensuring adequate passive immunity is conferred to piglets through colostral transfer postpartum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human ABC transporters ABCD1–3 are all localized on the peroxisomal membrane and participate in the β-oxidation of fatty acyl-CoAs, but they differ from each other in substrate specificity. The transport of branched-chain fatty acids from cytosol to peroxisome is specifically driven by ABCD3, dysfunction of which causes severe liver diseases such as hepatosplenomegaly. Here we report two cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of ABCD3 bound to phytanoyl-CoA and ATP at resolutions of 2.9 Å and 3.2 Å, respectively. A pair of phytanoyl-CoA molecules were observed in ABCD3, each binding to one transmembrane domain (TMD), which is distinct from our previously reported structure of ABCD1, where each fatty acyl-CoA molecule strongly crosslinks two TMDs. Upon ATP binding, ABCD3 exhibits a conformation that is open towards the peroxisomal matrix, leaving two extra densities corresponding to two CoA molecules deeply embedded in the translocation cavity. Structural analysis combined with substrate-stimulated ATPase activity assays indicated that the present structures might represent two states of ABCD3 in the transport cycle. These findings advance our understanding of fatty acid oxidation and the molecular pathology of related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) is an RF-amide neuropeptide that binds and activates its cognate G protein-coupled receptor, prolactin-releasing peptide receptor (PrRPR), also known as GPR10. PrRP and PrRPR are highly conserved across mammals and involved in regulating a range of physiological processes, including stress response, appetite regulation, pain modulation, cardiovascular function, and potentially reproductive functions. Here we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of PrRP-bound PrRPR coupled to Gq or Gi heterotrimer, unveiling distinct molecular determinants underlying the specific recognition of the ligand's C-terminal RF-amide motif. We identify a conserved polar pocket that accommodates the C-terminal amide shared by RF-amide peptides. Structural comparison with neuropeptide Y receptors reveals both similarities and differences in engaging the essential RF/RY-amide motifs. Our findings demonstrate the general mechanism governing RF-amide motif recognition by PrRPR and RF-amide peptide receptors, and provide a foundation for elucidating activation mechanisms and developing selective drugs targeting this important peptide–receptor system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginseng, from the roots of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, is a widely used herbal medicine in Asian countries, known for its excellent therapeutic properties. The growth of P. ginseng is depend on specific and strict environments, with a preference for wetness but intolerance for flooding. Under excessive soil moisture, some irregular rust-like substances are deposited on the root epidermis, causing ginseng rusty symptoms (GRS). This condition leads to a significant reduce in yield and quality, resulting in substantial economic loses. However, there is less knowledge on the cause of GRS and there are no effective treatments available for its treatment once it occurs. Unsuitable environments lead to the generation of large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We investigated the key indicators associated with the stress response during different physiological stages of GRS development. We observed a significant change in ROS level, MDA contents, antioxidant enzymes activities, and non-enzymatic antioxidants contents prior to the GRS. Through the analysis of soil features with an abundance of moisture, we further determined the source of ROS. The levels of nitrate reductase (NR) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activities in the inter-root soil of ginseng with GRS were significantly elevated compared to those of healthy ginseng. These enzymes boost nitric oxide (NO) levels, which in turn showed a favorable correlation with the GRS. The activities of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase first rose and then decreased as GRS developed. Excess soil moisture causes a decrease in oxygen levels. This activated NR and NOS in the soil, resulting in a production of excess NO. The NO then diffused into the ginseng root and triggered a burst of ROS through NADPH located on the cell membrane. Additionally, Fe2+ in soil was oxidized to red Fe3+, and finally led to GRS. This conclusion was also verified by the Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP), a precursor compound producing NO. The presence of NO from NR and NOS in water-saturated soil is responsible for the generation of ROS. Among these, NO is the main component that contribute to the occurrence of GRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common non-traumatic disabling disease affecting young adults. A definitive curative treatment is currently unavailable. Many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) on MS. Because of the uncertain quality of these RCTs, the recommendations for routine use of CHM for MS remain inconclusive. The comprehensive evaluation of the quality of RCTs of CHM for MS is urgent. Methods: Nine databases, namely, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, Sinomed, Wanfang Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and VIP Database, were searched from inception to September 2023. RCTs comparing CHM with placebo or pharmacological interventions for MS were considered eligible. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and its extension for CHM formulas (CONSORT-CHM Formulas) checklists were used to evaluate the reporting quality of RCTs. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The selection criteria of highfrequency herbs for MS were those with cumulative frequency over 50% among the top-ranked herbs. Results: A total of 25 RCTs were included. In the included RCTs, 33% of the CONSORT items and 21% of the CONSORT-CHM Formulas items were reported. Eligibility title, sample size calculation, allocation concealment, randomized implementation, and blinded description in CONSORT core items were reported by less than 5% of trials. For the CONSORT-CHM Formulas, the source and authentication method of each CHM ingredient was particularly poorly reported. Most studies classified the risk of bias as “unclear” due to insufficient information. The top five most frequently used herbs were, in order, Radix Rehmanniae Preparata, Radix Rehmanniae Recens, Herba Epimedii, Scorpio, and Poria. No serious adverse effect had been reported. Conclusions: The low reporting of CONSORT items and the unclear risk of bias indicate the inadequate quality of RCTs in terms of reporting completeness and result validity. The CONSORT-CHM Formulas appropriately consider the unique characteristics of CHM, including principles, formulas, and Chinese medicinal substances. To improve the quality of RCTs on CHM for MS, researchers should adhere more closely to CONSORT-CHM Formulas guidelines and ensure comprehensive disclosure of all study design elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the mechanical properties of reinforced concrete flexural and axial-tension members at low temperatures ranging from 273.15 to 108.15 K based on experimental and theoretical analyses. Special test chambers were used to separately apply mechanical forces and low temperatures to the test members. The steel strain caused by the mechanical and thermal restraint forces was obtained using the self-compensation test method. The effects of low temperatures on the tensile and flexural stiffness behaviors of reinforced concrete beams, as well as the internal forces generated because of the different linear expansion coefficients of concrete and steel at low temperatures, were analyzed. Analytical models were developed to predict the restraint stress corresponding to different temperatures. The accuracy of the analytical models was verified using the test results. The results show that the deformation stiffness of both flexural and axial-tension members increases linearly with decreasing temperature. The difference between the thermal deformation of concrete and steel bars becomes more considerable as the temperature decreases, resulting in nonnegligible restraint stress in the steel bars. The study can provide a basis for the design of structures in service at low and ultralow temperatures, such as liquefied natural gas storage tank structures. Practical Applications: Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is primarily composed of methane. After extraction from gas fields, it goes through a purification process; thereafter, it is subjected to a series of ultralow-temperature liquefaction steps and transported through specialized LNG carriers. LNG has extensive applications in various aspects of daily life, including energy supply, transportation, industrial use, and power generation. Compared with traditional fuels, LNG offers higher efficiency and environmental benefits. Nonetheless, optimizing the design of LNG storage facilities presents several technical challenges. Presently, reinforced concrete is the predominant material used in the construction of LNG storage facilities. To fully exploit the advantages of concrete structures in ultralow-temperature environments and reduce construction costs, comprehensive studies on the performance of concrete under such extreme conditions are crucial. This study is of immense scientific value and offers promising prospects for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the scarcity of land resources, the rational development and use of frozen soil resources and solutions to frozen soil disasters are essential. In this study, an indoor one-dimensional soil column simulation test was conducted under unidirectional freezing conditions. The temperature, water content, and conductivity of the sand were monitored using a time-domain reflectometer (TDR), and a mathematical model to analyze the relationships among solute concentration, temperature, and conductivity was established, to convert the conductivity into soil solute concentration. Then, the sodium chloride solute redistribution in soil under different soil densities (1.23 and 1.40 g/cm3), initial water contents (10% and 13%), freezing temperatures (−20°C and −35°C), and salt concentrations (0.2 and 0.3 mol/L) was analyzed. The results show that solute concentration and temperature are the two factors that affect conductivity. The relationship between conductivity and solute concentration can be used to quantitatively analyze the solute changes in soil. The soil density, initial water content, freezing temperature, and solute concentration affect solute migration under unidirectional freezing conditions. The solute migration efficiency decreases with increasing soil density and initial water content and increases with decreasing freezing temperature and increasing solute concentration. In this study, the aim was to further understand the mechanism through which solute migration occurs in frozen soil, to provide theoretical support for the rational exploitation and use of resources, the prevention and control of soil pollution, and the promotion of agricultural development in cold regions. These results provide theoretical support for soil water and salt simulations, pollution control, and agricultural development in cold regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver fibrosis is a common pathological process in the progression of several chronic liver diseases to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, the development of medications that can repress the progress of liver fibrosis is essential. We discovered that initially, 12β-(m-methyl-benzoyl)-11,12-dihydro oleanolic acid (12d-OA), a farnesoid X receptor (FXR) modulator, possessed potential anti-fibrotic properties. Through an in-depth study, we revealed that 12d-OA not only inhibited the expression of fibrogenic markers in the LX-2 cells and HSC-T6 cells but also exhibited significant protective effects against liver injury and liver fibrosis in bile duct ligation (BDL) rats. Further exploration of its molecular mechanism indicated that 12d-OA exerted antifibrotic activity by inhibiting the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/stress-activated protein kinase (p38) signaling pathways. Consequently, the great effects of 12d-OA in vitro and in vivo suggest that it may be a good candidate for liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalysis technology is considered as a most promising method to decompose organic pollutant since the inexhaustible solar energy and facile reaction condition. Herein, a series of flower-like Ag/AgCl/BiOCl photocatalysts are successfully synthesized via hydrothermal and photochemical deposition method. All the samples are investigated and characterized by X-Ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and Photoluminescence to insight into the microstructures and optical properties. During the photocatalytic degradation of Methyl orange experiments, the optimized Ag/AgCl/BiOCl sample prepared by photoreduction with 40 min exhibits the excellent photocatalytic performance. Under visible-light irradiation for 60 min, degradation rate of Methyl orange reaches 97%, which is 9.7, 6.1 and 4.6 times higher than that of AgCl, Ag/BiOCl and BiOCl, respectively. The UV–vis diffuse reflectance and Photoluminescence spectra of the Ag/AgCl/BiOCl photocatalyst verify that the enhanced photocatalytic activity is ascribed to its extended absorption range to visible-light region and the efficient separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. In addition, the radical trapping experiment demonstrates that photogenerated hole and superoxide radicals play critical roles in the methyl orange degradation. The corresponding photocatalytic degradation mechanism is proposed that the excellent photocatalytic activity is attributed to the surface plasmon resonance effect of metallic Ag and heterojunction structure of Ag/AgCl/BiOCl photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophages play a pivotal role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) therapy. Efforts have been made to develop multifunctional drug delivery systems capable of directing macrophage polarization. Here, we present a novel hyaluronic acid methacrylate (HAMA) hydrogel microparticle encapsulating multiple cytokines for SLE remission though enhancing macrophage functions. The HAMA microparticles loaded with monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were fabricated by using a microfluidic technology. The released MCP-1 facilitates the aggregation of inflammatory macrophages, after which IL-4 induces the macrophage phenotype shift from inflammatory M1 to immune-protective M2, thus restoring immune balance. We have demonstrated in MRL/lpr mice that the hydrogel microparticles could improve their efficacy of intraperitoneal drug delivery, modulate immune function, and attenuate the disease symptoms. These results suggest that our proposed microparticles delivery platform has potential clinical value for treating autoimmune diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteriocins are peptides or proteins produced by ribosomes that have bacteriostatic activity. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the main producers of bacteriocins, and most studies have screened bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria from traditional dairy products, screening lactic acid bacteria from new materials has become an important aim of bacteriocin exploration at this stage. A total of 49 LAB strains of 20 species in 6 genus were screened from a mixed sample of eight Daqu using traditional pure culture methods. And the results were then combined with high-throughput sequencing to further understand the distribution of LAB in Daqu. At the same time, the diversity of model LAB bacteriocins was explored through database analyses. Using BAGEL4 software and computer mining method, 286 gene clusters of 183 homologs from 60 different types of bacteriocins were predicted and a phylogenetic tree has been constructed to better show the distribution characteristics of bacteriocin related genes in LAB species. This study also shows that Daqu has the potential to mine bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria, and provides a reference for enriching the sources of new bacteriocins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Alpha‐lactalbumin (α‐LA) is one of the allergens in cow's milk. Glycation modifications can be used to modulate the allergenicity of α‐LA and to clarify the effects of glycation of three reducing sugars (D‐fructose, D‐ribose, and D‐xylose) on the structure and immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐binding capacity of α‐LA. In this study, the colorimetric and spectroscopic methods reflect the degree of glycation. The structural properties of the glycation products were characterised using spectroscopic and chromatographic methods. The IgG‐binding capacity was determined by an indirect competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed a decrease in free amino groups content, an increase in molecular weight. The α‐helix content was reduced, but the β‐sheet and irregular coil content increased, resulting in a more loosened protein structure. All three reducing sugar glycation products had higher IgG‐binding capacity, suggesting that glycation has the potential to enhance α‐LA allergenicity. This study provides different perspectives on the allergenicity of cow's milk allergens modified by different sugar glycations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramics can be traditionally classified as structural and functional ones. However, the miniaturization and multi‐functionalization of various devices require ceramics to have both structural and functional properties. In this work, we aimed to develop structure‐function integrated ZrO2–SiO2 nanocrystalline glass–ceramics (NCGCs) by in situ formation of homogenously distributed amorphous carbon. By reducing the calcination temperature of carbon‐containing powder, organic carbon groups were partially retained in the powder and they transformed to amorphous carbon in the sintered NCGCs. At micrometer scale, the carbon was homogenously distributed in the NCGCs, avoiding the commonly encountered agglomeration problem of carbon fillers. The effects of carbon on the microstructure, mechanical properties, wear resistance, and dielectric properties of the NCGCs were investigated. Results showed that the in situ formed amorphous carbon was homogenously distributed in the ZrO2 nanocrystallites. Meanwhile, the amorphous carbon strongly bonded with the ZrO2–SiO2 NCGCs. Only a small amount of carbon was combusted even after annealing at 1000°C for 3 h. The formation of amorphous carbon led to an improvement of nanohardness and wear resistance of the NCGCs, while slightly reducing Young's modulus and flexural strength. The electromagnetic wave transmission performances were improved due to the formation of amorphous carbon. The current study paves a new way for developing structure‐function integrated glass–ceramics through in situ formation of carbon. The prepared structure‐function integrated ZrO2–SiO2 NCGCs have great potential to be used as radome and antenna windows of aerospace aircrafts that work in harsh environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pneumonia has a high incidence in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and lacks effective treatments. Early mobilization (EM) may be a potentially effective treatment. Aim: To explore the impact of EM on TBI‐related pneumonia in the neurosurgical intensive care unit (NICU). Study Design: This study was a historical control study. 100 TBI patients who received EM intervention were prospectively included as the experimental group (EM cohort), and 250 TBI patients were retrospectively included as the control group. The propensity score matching (PSM) method was employed to balance baseline and minimize potential bias. The relationship between EM and TBI‐related pneumonia was investigated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression, then further determined by subgroup analysis. The influence of other variables was excluded by interaction analyses. Finally, the effect of EM on the prognosis of TBI patients was analysed by comparing the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the hospital stay. Results: After screening, 86 patients were included in the EM cohort and 199 patients were included in the control cohort. There were obvious differences between the two cohorts at baseline, and these differences were eliminated after PSM, when the incidence of pneumonia was significantly lower in the EM cohort than in the control cohort (35.0% vs. 61.9%, p <.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that EM was an independent risk factor for TBI‐related pneumonia and was significantly associated with a decreased incidence of pneumonia. This correlation was present in most subgroups and was not affected by other variables (p for interaction >.05). Patients in the EM cohort had shorter length of ICU stay (6 vs. 7 days, p =.017) and higher GCS at discharge (12 vs. 11, p =.010). Conclusion: EM is a safe and effective treatment for TBI patients in NICU, which can reduce the incidence of pneumonia, help to improve prognosis and shorten the length of ICU stay. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Although the utilization rate of EM is low in TBI patients for various reasons, EM is still an effective method to prevent complications. Our study confirms that a scientific and detailed EM strategy can effectively reduce the incidence of pneumonia while ensuring the safety of TBI patients, which is worthy of further research and clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzymes are widely used in the food industry due to their ability in improving the functional, sensory, and nutritional properties of food products. However, their poor stability under harsh industrial conditions and their compromised shelf-lives during long-term storage limit their applications. This review introduces typical enzymes and their functionality in the food industry and demonstrates spray drying as a promising approach for enzyme encapsulation. Recent studies on encapsulation of enzymes in the food industry using spray drying and the key achievements are summarized. The latest developments including the novel design of spray drying chambers, nozzle atomizers and advanced spray drying techniques are also analyzed and discussed in depth. In addition, the scale-up pathways connecting laboratory scale trials and industrial scale productions are illustrated, as most of the current studies have been limited to lab-scales. Enzyme encapsulation using spray drying is a versatile strategy to improve enzyme stability in an economical and industrial viable way. Various nozzle atomizers and drying chambers have recently been developed to increase process efficiency and product quality. A comprehensive understanding of the complex droplet-to-particle transformations during the drying process would be beneficial for both process optimization and scale-up design. Highlights: Encapsulation of enzyme using spray drying is a versatile approach for improving enzyme stability and shelf-life in food industry. This paper gives an overview of recent development and progress in enzyme encapsulation using spray drying. Emerging spray drying techniques and novel design of spray drying chambers and atomizers are summarized. Ex ante process simulations and technoeconomic analysis are also presented providing critical insights for commercial production of encapsulated enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep learning has been increasingly popular in omics data analysis. Recent works incorporating variable selection into deep learning have greatly enhanced the model's interpretability. However, because deep learning desires a large sample size, the existing methods may result in uncertain findings when the dataset has a small sample size, commonly seen in omics data analysis. With the explosion and availability of omics data from multiple populations/studies, the existing methods naively pool them into one dataset to enhance the sample size while ignoring that variable structures can differ across datasets, which might lead to inaccurate variable selection results. We propose a penalized integrative deep neural network (PIN) to simultaneously select important variables from multiple datasets. PIN directly aggregates multiple datasets as input and considers both homogeneity and heterogeneity situations among multiple datasets in an integrative analysis framework. Results from extensive simulation studies and applications of PIN to gene expression datasets from elders with different cognitive statuses or ovarian cancer patients at different stages demonstrate that PIN outperforms existing methods with considerably improved performance among multiple datasets. The source code is freely available on Github (rucliyang/PINFunc). We speculate that the proposed PIN method will promote the identification of disease‐related important variables based on multiple studies/datasets from diverse origins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting the rate of penetration (ROP) is important for optimizing drilling parameters, improving drilling efficiency, and optimizing economic benefits throughout the drilling process. The current prediction model of ROP based on machine learning algorithms does not consider the interference of outliers. Therefore, in this study, we propose a method to predict ROP based on fuzzy support vector regression (FSVR). First, appropriate input parameters were selected from the controllable parameters. Second, based on the local outlier factor, a fuzzy membership degree was assigned to each sample. Finally, the sample with the fuzzy membership value was input into the model for ROP prediction. The results demonstrated that the goodness of fit (R2) of the improved FSVR model is 0.9634, and the mean absolute error is 0.1974. Compared with standard SVR and other models, the improved FSVR model has a stronger anti-interference ability, smaller prediction error for normal samples, and higher accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

H2V3O8 has been regarded as a compelling cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) owing to its elevated theoretical capacity, abundance of vanadium valence states, and advantageous layered configuration. Nonetheless, the intrinsically low conductivity and sluggish ionic reaction kinetics of H2V3O8 result in undesirable, constraining its broader implementation in AZIBs. In this study, a facile hydrothermal approach was utilized to prepare H2V3O8 nanowires with an abundance of oxygen vacancies. The combination of nanowire nanostructure and oxygen vacancies of the H2V3O8 offer improved ion diffusion kinetics and enhanced electronic conductivity, leading to a superior improved electrochemical performance. Particularly, the H2V3O8 nanowire cathodes with the optimal oxygen vacancy concentration (HVO-20) exhibit a specific capacity of 461.7 mAh g−1 at 0.3 A g−1 and exceptional cycle life of 198.8 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 1.0 A g−1. The investigation unveils the impact of oxygen vacancy vanadium-based oxides on the performance of AZIBs, presenting a viable strategy for advanced cathode materials in AZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate estimation of the state of charge (SOC) of lithium-ion batteries is very important for the development of energy storage systems. However, batteries are subject to characteristic changes in complex environments, making it difficult to accurately estimate SOC online. In this paper, an adaptive feedback particle swarm with multi-innovation singular decomposition unscented Kalman filtering method is proposed. The idea of the real-time change of inertia weight and learning factor is used to balance the particle searchability, and the information feedback mechanism is established to make the local optimal position constantly updated, which solves the problem that the standard particle swarm optimization algorithm is easy to fall into the local optimal solution. Singular decomposition (SVD) is used to replace Cholesky decomposition in traditional UKF to avoid algorithm divergence. At the same time, a strategy of noise variance Q varying with multi-time errors is introduced to further improve the estimation accuracy. The results show that under different working conditions, the SOC estimation accuracy based on adaptive feedback particle swarm optimization and multi-information singular decomposition unscented Kalman filter is improved by 76.6% and 67.6% respectively, and the algorithm convergence speed is improved by 88.9% and 77.5%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting precipitation δ18O accurately is crucial for understanding water cycles, paleoclimates, and hydrological applications. Yet forecasting its spatio-temporal distribution remains challenging due to complex climate interactions and extreme events. We developed a method combining spatio-temporal clustering and deep learning neural networks to improve multi-site, multi-year precipitation δ18O predictions. Using a comprehensive dataset from 33 German sites (1978–2012), our model considers precipitation δ18O and its controlling factors, including precipitation and temperature distribution. We applied the K-means ++ method for classification and divided data into training and prediction sets. The convolutional neural network (CNN) model extracted spatial features, while the bi-directional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) model focused on temporal features. Spatio-temporal clustering using K-means ++ improved forecast accuracy and reduced errors. This study highlights the potential of deep learning and clustering techniques for forecasting complex spatio-temporal data and offers insights for future research on isotope distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the corrosion and tribocorrosion behavior of CrN and CrAlN coatings deposited on steel through direct current magnetron sputtering. Additionally, the effects of Al addition on the microstructure, corrosion inhibition, and tribocorrosion behavior of CrN coatings were evaluated. Compared with the CrN coating, the CrAlN coating exhibited a denser columnar crystal structure and a higher hardness of 23.8 GPa. The CrAlN coating reacted with water to form Al2O3 and Cr2O3 films, which enhanced its corrosion resistance. Moreover, the addition of Al enhanced the wear resistance of the CrN coating and reduced the material loss due to corrosion, wear, and their synergistic effects. The CrAlN coating exhibited a low corrosion current density of 1.14 × 10−8 A/cm2, indicating a 92% reduction compared with the CrN coating. Furthermore, under either open circuit potential or anodic accelerated tribocorrosion conditions, the CrAlN coating featured significantly lower total material loss and synergistic material loss than the CrN coating, demonstrating higher corrosion and tribocorrosion protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the dual objectives of financial climate policies (such as carbon tax) -mitigating climate change and supporting economic growth, our paper aims to discover the unique process of increasing support for financial climate policies, which was a lack of attention before. Building on the structural equation modelling analysis of a nationwide longitudinal survey including 2322 valid samples in China, this research finds the positive influence of climate anxiety and economic anticipation on the support for financial climate policies, driven by the enhancement of perceived win-win benefits of policies. The findings provide researchers with a new perspective in understanding public support for financial climate policies and the psychological process underneath. Policy-makers could benefit from the findings by strategically managing the climate anxiety and economic anticipation of the public and raising public awareness of personal benefits beyond climate benefits when implementing financial climate policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the role of missionaries in translation activities during the last six decades of the Ming dynasty in China and explores the motivations from a sociological perspective. The study identifies three ways in which missionaries carried out the act of gatekeeping, including the alteration of book subjects, the selection of collaborators, and the addition of religious texts. Drawing on Bourdieu's theory of social practice, the analysis reveals that these gatekeeping behaviours were motivated by the intricate interplay among habitus, field, and capital. The study suggests that missionaries adjusted their habitus to influence the choice of book subjects, carefully selected collaborators to navigate the translation field securely, and incorporated religious texts to enhance their standing in the religious field. Consequently, missionaries functioned as gatekeepers in translation, guided by their habitus and leveraging diverse capitals to advance their position in the social field of the late Ming dynasty, with the ultimate goal of spreading religious culture China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]