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Natural killer (NK) cells are equipped with anti-Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) function, however, whether EBV infection will affect NK cells reconstitution after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) remains unclear. To identify the characteristics of NK cells, we prospectively enrolled 11 patients who occurred EBV reactivation post allo-HSCT and 11 patients without EBV infection as control. We found that that EBV infection induced the expansion of CD56bright and NKG2A+KIR− NK subsets,and decreased the cytotoxicity function of NK cells. The frequency of NKG2A+KIR- NK cells were higher in patients who progressed into post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) than EBV viremia patients, which also correlated with decreased proliferation and cytotoxic function. By screening the activation receptors of NK cells, we found the DNAM-1+CD56bright NK cells is significantly increased after EBV stimulation, further we demonstrated that DNAM-1 is essential for EBV induced NK cells activation as the cytokine release against EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines(EBV-LCLs) of CD56bright NK cells were significantly decreased after DNAM-1 blockade. NK cells infusion suppressed the progression of EBV-related tumor mice model. A prospective cohort indicated that old donor age was an independent risk factor for EBV infection. Rapid CD56bri expansion and high expression of DNAM-1 on CD56bri NK cells in response to EBV reactivation correlated with rapid EBV clearance post allo-HSCT in patients with younger donors. In summary, our data showed that high expression of DNAM-1 receptors on NK cell may participate protective CD56bri NK cells response to EBV infection after allo-HSCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron oxychloride (FeOCl) with a layered structure may be a potential cathode material for rechargeable sodium ion batteries, due to its large interlayer spacing and high theoretical capacity. Here, the FeOCl material is employed as the cathode material for sodium ion batteries for the first time. Its morphology, electrochemical sodium storage performance, and reaction mechanisms are systematically investigated. The as-prepared FeOCl cathode exhibits a high discharge capacity of 321 mAh g−1 in the voltage range of 1.4–4.0 V (vs. Na/Na+) at 10 mA g−1 during the first cycle; however, the discharge capacity fades to 69 mAh g−1 after 30 cycles due to the large volume change of FeOCl and phase separation during cycling. The intercalation and conversion reaction mechanism of FeOCl during reversible sodium ion storage is demonstrated by the results of energy-dispersive spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone defects pose significant challenges in healthcare, with over 2 million bone repair surgeries performed globally each year. As a burgeoning force in the field of bone tissue engineering, 3D printing offers novel solutions to traditional bone transplantation procedures. However, current 3D-printed bone scaffolds still face three critical challenges in material selection, printing methods, cellular self-organization and co-culture, significantly impeding their clinical application. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the performance criteria that ideal bone scaffolds should possess, with a particular focus on the three core challenges faced by 3D printing technology during clinical translation. We summarize the latest advancements in non-traditional materials and advanced printing techniques, emphasizing the importance of integrating organ-like technologies with bioprinting. This combined approach enables more precise simulation of natural tissue structure and function. Our aim in writing this review is to propose effective strategies to address these challenges and promote the clinical translation of 3D-printed scaffolds for bone defect treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: It is known that both B cells and myeloblasts from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) express immunoglobulin (Ig). However, the difference between Ig from myeloblasts and B cells has not been explored; therefore, the function and significance of AML-Ig are not well known. Here, we performed 5′ RACE-related PCR coupled with PacBio sequencing to analyze the Ig repertoire of Chinese AML patients. Myeloblasts expressed all five classes of IgH, especially Igγ, with a high expression frequency. Compared with B-Ig in the same AML patient, AML-Ig showed different biased V(D)J usages and mutation patterns. More importantly, mutations of AML-Ig frequently occurred at the sites of post-translational modification. In summary, our results showed that AML-Ig had different sequence characteristics than those of B-Ig and that the unique V(D)J usages of AML-Ig may serve as a novel biomarker for personalized minimal/measurable residual disease monitoring and therapeutic targets in AML patients. It is common knowledge that immunoglobulin (Ig) is produced by B lymphocytes and mainly functions as an antibody. However, it has been shown recently that myeloblasts from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) could also express Ig and that AML-Ig played a role in leukemogenesis and AML progression. The difference between Ig from myeloblasts and B cells has not been explored. Studying the characteristics of the Ig repertoire in myeloblasts and B cells will be helpful to understand the function and significance of AML-Ig. We performed 5′ RACE-related PCR coupled with PacBio sequencing to analyze the Ig repertoire in myeloblasts and B cells from Chinese AML patients. Myeloblasts expressed all five classes of IgH, especially Igγ, with a high expression frequency. Compared with B-Ig in the same patient, AML-Ig showed different biased V(D)J usages and mutation patterns. In addition, the CDR3 length distribution of AML-Ig was significantly different from those of B-Ig. More importantly, mutations of AML-IgH, especially Igμ, Igα, and Igδ, were different from that of B-IgH in each AML patient, and the mutations frequently occurred at the sites of post-translational modification. AML-Ig has distinct characteristics of variable regions and mutations, which may have implications for disease monitoring and personalized therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The mutually beneficial coevolutionary relationships between rodents and plant seeds have been a theme of research in plant-animal relationships. Seed tannins are important secondary metabolites of plants that regulate the food-hoarding behavior of rodents; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not yet clear. In this study, we investigated whether and how seed tannins improve spatial memory and regulate the hoarding behavior of Tamias sibiricus by altering their gut microbiota. Results: We showed that acorn tannins not only improved spatial memory but also enhanced scatter-hoarding in T. sibiricus. Changes in the composition and function of the gut microbiota in response to tannins from acorns are closely related to these improvements. Metabonomic analyses revealed the role of gut isovaleric acid and isobutyric acid as well as serum L-tryptophan in mediating the spatial memory of T. sibiricus via the gut microbiota. The hippocampal proteome provides further evidence that the microbiota-gut-brain axis regulates spatial memory and scatter-hoarding in animals. Our study is likely the first to report that plant secondary metabolites improve hippocampal function and spatial memory and ultimately modulate food-hoarding behavior via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Conclusion: Our findings may have resolved the long-standing puzzle about the hidden role of plant secondary metabolites in manipulating food-hoarding behavior in rodents via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Our study is important for better understanding the mutualistic coevolution between plants and animals. -v6UxNpVaqDZi2u857Rxwn Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) represent the next generation of technology, offering tremendous potential in safety and energy density. However, successfully integrating high-capacity cathode materials without compromising long-term stability remains a formidable challenge. The insertion of a large quantity of lithium ions easily induces high strain in the crystal structure, potentially disrupting the cathode's integrity and the cathode–solid electrolyte interface. This, in turn, can adversely affect the energy density and lifespan of ASSBs. In order to help alleviate the mechanical degradation of cathodes, it is necessary to design low-strain materials that exhibit minimal or even zero volume change during Li-ion extraction and insertion. In this review, the critical problems associated with high-strain cathodes in ASSBs are outlined, pinpointing the origins of strain and their detrimental impact on material failure and the degradation of solid–solid interfaces. Subsequently, the design principles of low-strain cathode materials are critically reviewed and discussed, including selecting transition metal ions with only t2g electronic configuration or isotropic atomic arrangements, introducing the pinning effect by integrating strain-retardant heteroatoms or phases into the bulk phase, manipulating the different domains to mitigate the cooperative Jahn–Teller distortion, and designing nanosized and single-crystal cathode materials to suppress the intergranular and intragranular crack. Ultimately, this review offers insights and recommendations for future research aimed at designing low-strain cathode materials and at the operation of high-energy-density ASSBs under low external pressure conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A decrease in atmospheric CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) is considered an important prerequisite for the onset and intensification of Northern Hemisphere Glaciation (NHG). However, how the ocean sequestered missing CO2 during the NHG is still uncertain. Changes in surface productivity and deep ventilation in the Southern Ocean (SO) have been proposed to explain the variations in atmospheric pCO2 over the last eight glacial cycles, but it is unclear whether these mechanisms contributed to the decrease in atmospheric pCO2 during the NHG. Using titanium-normalized contents and mass accumulation rates of biogenic opal and total organic carbon from the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 374 Site U1524A, we reconstruct the productivity in the Ross Sea, Antarctica, from 3.3 Ma to 2.4 Ma. The productivity records exhibit a long-term decreasing trend and several distinct phased evolutionary features. Specifically, the local productivity fluctuated dramatically during 3.3–3.0 Ma, decreased gradually during 3.0–2.6 Ma, and remained relatively constant during 2.6–2.4 Ma. By comparing productivity with its potential influences, we infer that the phased and long-term evolutions of productivity were mainly controlled by changes in deep ocean ventilation. Sea ice expansion might have decreased productivity during 3.3–3.0 Ma by light attenuation. Changes in eolian dust input have little effect on productivity. Further analysis revealed no coupling linkage between productivity and atmospheric pCO2, indicating that the productivity in the SO Antarctic Zone (AZ) was not the main factor controlling the atmospheric CO2 decrease during the NHG. To improve our understanding of the role of SO processes in the NHG, further studies should focus on the potential influences of deep ocean ventilation on atmospheric pCO2 in the AZ, and similar studies should also be extended to the sea area in the Subantarctic Zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Findings: Teachers in early care and education (ECE) face tremendous challenges, which can lead to poor well-being, low job satisfaction, and high turnover rates. Thus, it is essential to understand the factors related to job satisfaction as well as the well-being resources that teachers need. The study used multilevel modeling to examine the associations between organizational factors and teachers' job satisfaction among 166 Head Start teachers. Results indicate that organizational climate and diversity climate within the centers were positively associated with teachers' job satisfaction. However, the availability of well-being resources was not significantly related to teachers' satisfaction with their job. Teachers identified higher wages, less paperwork, and support for managing children's behaviors as the most needed resources for their well-being. Practice or Policy: The study addresses the importance of a positive work climate for policymakers and program leaders to consider as a way of improving ECE teachers' job satisfaction. It also emphasizes the most needed well-being resources identified by teachers, especially those working with children in poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Inflammation is thought to be a vital element in the etiology of cancer-related fatigue (CRF), and circulating blood cell parameters could be important markers of inflammatory response. However, the associations of several major blood cell counts and their derived inflammatory indices with CRF are not well described. The present study aimed to establish whether a relationship exists between the counts of three white blood cell (WBC) types, platelets, and CRF and investigate whether several systemic inflammatory indices were associated with CRF in patients with breast cancer (BC). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 824 patients with BC undergoing chemotherapy. The cancer fatigue scale was administered to assess CRF. Hematological indicators, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and platelets, were retrieved from routine blood test. Network analyses were used to examine the associations among them. Results: Among 824 participants, the mean score of CRF was (27 ± 10), ranging from 0 to 57. The results of network models indicated that physical fatigue was negatively linked to lymphocyte counts (weight = − 0.161), and affective fatigue was positively associated with neutrophil counts (weight = 0.070). Additionally, physical fatigue was positively linked to the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (weight = 0.049). Conclusion: There were preliminary associations of counts of three WBC types, platelet counts, and systemic inflammatory indices, with distinct dimensions of CRF in patients with BC. Findings provide empirical support for the cellular basis of fatigue-associated inflammatory states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-dimensional nanostructures with precise size and morphology exhibit unique electronic, optical, and mechanical properties that make them highly attractive for a wide range of applications in micro/nanodevices. However, traditional micro/nanostructures processing techniques like photolithography, nanoimprint are complex. Hence, we propose a novel method called double tip-assisted focused coaxial electrohydrodynamic (CEHD) printing technology to fabricate consistent nanopatterns. This method utilizes a focused-tip to enhance the strength of the electric field and minimizes reflux (internal fluid), thereby improving the stabilization of the CEHD jet. Additionally, the guide-tip facilitates controlled deposition during the fabrication process. The focused-tip length exceeding the coaxial needle ranges from 150 to 300 µm was optimized through simulations and verified by experiments. By using the tip-assisted focused method, the working voltage and minimum flow necessary to form a stable cone-jet are reduced. This technique enabled the direct printing of united aligned suspended PZT (PbZr1-xTixO3) nanowires (about 100 nm) on a silicon dioxide substrate under optimal experimental conditions. The double tip-assisted focused CEHD printing technique offers a highly effective method for fabricating micro/nanostructures, holding great promise for applications in micro/nano-electromechanical systems. Highlights: Uniform suspended PZT nanowires were direct printed using PZT sol without the need for extremely fine nozzles and high working voltages. This method utilizes a focused-tip to enhance the strength of the electric field and minimizes reflux (internal fluid, PZT sol). The printed suspended PZT nanofibers exhibit very high flexibility and piezoelectric properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eugenol (Eug) holds potential as a treatment for bacterial rhinosinusitis by nasal powder drug delivery. To stabilization and solidification of volatile Eug, herein, nasal inhalable γ-cyclodextrin metal-organic framework (γ-CD-MOF) was investigated as a carrier by gas-solid adsorption method. The results showed that the particle size of Eug loaded by γ-CD-MOF (Eug@γ-CD-MOF) distributed in the range of 10–150 μm well. In comparison to γ-CD and β-CD-MOF, γ-CD-MOF has higher thermal stability to Eug. And the intermolecular interactions between Eug and the carriers were verified by characterizations and molecular docking. Based on the bionic human nasal cavity model, Eug@γ-CD-MOF had a high deposition distribution (90.07 ± 1.58%). Compared with free Eug, the retention time Eug@γ-CD-MOF in the nasal cavity was prolonged from 5 min to 60 min. In addition, the cell viability showed that Eug@γ-CD-MOF (Eug content range 3.125–200 µg/mL) was non-cytotoxic. And the encapsulation of γ-CD-MOF could not reduce the bacteriostatic effect of Eug. Therefore, the biocompatible γ-CD-MOF could be a potential and valuable carrier for nasal drug delivery to realize solidification and nasal therapeutic effects of volatile oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi‐foci lenses are essential components for optical communications, virtual reality display and microscopy, yet the bulkiness of conventional counterparts has significantly hindered their widespread applications. Benefiting from the unprecedented capability of metasurfaces in light modulation, metalenses are able to provide multi‐foci functionality with a more compact footprint. However, achieving imaging quality comparable to that of corresponding single‐foci metalenses at each focal point poses a challenge for existing multi‐foci metalenses. Here, a polarization‐independent all‐dielectric multi‐foci metalens is proposed and experimentally demonstrated by spatially integrating single‐foci optical sparse‐aperture sub‐metalenses. Such design enables the metalens to generate multiple focal points, while maintaining the ability to capture target information comparable to that of a single‐foci metalens. The proposed multi‐foci metalens is composed of square‐nanohole units array fabricated by two‐photon polymerization. The focusing characteristic and imaging capability are demonstrated upon the illumination of an unpolarized light beam. This work finds a novel route toward multi‐foci metalenses and may open a new avenue for dealing with the trade‐off between multi‐foci functionality and high‐quality imaging performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agro-pastoral transitional zone (APTZ) in northern China is a typical ecologically vulnerable zone and a comprehensive geographical transitional zone. Its land use pattern has significant type diversity and spatial interlocking, which is always related to the play of ecological barrier functions and the sustainability of social-ecological systems. Accurately grasping the spatial competition relationship and comprehensive geographical effects of land types of APTZ in northern China is a key proposition for achieving coordinated and sustainable development between humans and land. To explore the spatial competition mechanism and comprehensive geographical effects of land use in the research area, this study focuses on revealing the evolutionary characteristics of land use patterns based on the center of gravity migration model. Based on the process of land use center of gravity migration, the spatial competition relationship of land types is explored to reveal the evolutionary trend and basic characteristics of land use in the APTZ. The results show the following: (1) Cultivated land and meadow are the main land types of the APTZ in northern China, accounting for up to 70% of the total regional area. The spatial competition between the two land types is the main contradiction in regional land use competition. (2) Drifting of the center of gravity of cultivated land towards the northwest direction is an important land use migration feature of the APTZ in northern China. Between 1980 and 2020, the center of gravity of cultivated land shifted by about 2 km to the northwest, and the center of gravity of grassland shifted by 8–10 km to the southwest. (3) The center of gravity of arable land and grassland in the entire region is constantly approaching, which has decreased from 70.95 km in 1980 to 61.38 km in 2020. The intensification of their interweaving has led to more intense land use competition. Grasping the basic characteristics and driving mechanisms of land type competition is an important means to achieve sustainable spatial governance. (4) The scale differentiation and regional differentiation characteristics of gradient effects are significant, and it is essential to prevent the risk of mismatch between land use and natural endowments in the northeast and north China sections. The research has surpassed the traditional method of analyzing land use competition, and by introducing a centroid model to analyze the spatial mechanism of land use competition, it has expanded the methodology for expanding research in the field of land science and provided basic references for regional sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on proposing an efficient architecture, SMLP4Rec, for sequential recommendations, addressing issues in existing self-attention models and MLP4Rec. Topics include changing the cascading structure to parallel mode, integrating normalization layers for efficiency, and improving training speed and prediction accuracy compared to MLP4Rec.

SUMMARY: Carotenoids perform a broad range of important functions in humans; therefore, carotenoid biofortification of maize (Zea mays L.), one of the most highly produced cereal crops worldwide, would have a global impact on human health. PLASTID TERMINAL OXIDASE (PTOX) genes play an important role in carotenoid metabolism; however, the possible function of PTOX in carotenoid biosynthesis in maize has not yet been explored. In this study, we characterized the maize PTOX locus by forward‐ and reverse‐genetic analyses. While most higher plant species possess a single copy of the PTOX gene, maize carries two tandemly duplicated copies. Characterization of mutants revealed that disruption of either copy resulted in a carotenoid‐deficient phenotype. We identified mutations in the PTOX genes as being causal of the classic maize mutant, albescent1. Remarkably, overexpression of ZmPTOX1 significantly improved the content of carotenoids, especially β‐carotene (provitamin A), which was increased by ~threefold, in maize kernels. Overall, our study shows that maize PTOX locus plays an important role in carotenoid biosynthesis in maize kernels and suggests that fine‐tuning the expression of this gene could improve the nutritional value of cereal grains. Significance Statement: We used a genetic approach to show that an important enzyme PLASTID TERMINAL OXIDASE (PTOX) regulates the biosynthesis of carotenoids, a pivotal nutrient for human health, in maize kernels. This work provides the first evidence that PTOX plays an important role in carotenoid biosynthesis in cereal grains, and we successfully increased the nutrient value of maize by overexpressing this gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document summarizes a study on patients with a specific type of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) called CEBPAbZIP-inf AML. The study found that these patients had high rates of complete remission after induction therapy. It also explored the impact of different treatment regimens and co-occurring gene mutations on patient prognosis. The results suggested that traditional chemotherapy was more effective than venetoclax-based regimens and transplantation consolidation for these patients. Certain gene mutations, such as WT1 and NRAS, were associated with worse outcomes. The study acknowledges its limitations and calls for further research to validate the findings and improve treatment strategies for this specific type of leukemia. [Extracted from the article]

The magnetization mechanism of Co-doped BaTiO3 ultrathin films is a subject of debate, which results in difficulties with the design of new multiferroics based on BaTiO3 matrixes. With the aid of a first-principles approach, it was observed that when the interstitial site and Ti vacancy were filled with Co, the configuration behaved in a nonmagnetic manner, indicating the significance of the Co content. Moreover, in the case of Co substituting two neighboring Ti atoms, when a direct current field was applied in the [100] direction, the magnetic domains excluding those in the [100], [010], and [001] directions were directed away. Further, the magnetoelectric constant was evaluated at ~449.3 mV/cmOe, showing strong magnetoelectric coupling at room temperature. Clearly, our study indicates that strict control of Ba, Ti, O, and Co stoichiometry can induce an electric and magnetic field conversion in two-dimensional BaTiO3 and may provide a new candidate for single-phase multiferroics for application in next-generation multifunctional devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the prevalence of the middle mesial canal (MMC) and isthmus in a northern Chinese subpopulation using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images of 1060 mandibular first molars (MFMs) were analysed. Data analysis was performed using the chi‐square test, t‐test, and multiple logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05). The prevalence of MMC and isthmus was 15.2% and 40.6%, respectively. The average dentinal thickness in the danger zone was 1.61 ± 0.14 mm. Patients younger than 40 years were two times more likely to have MMC (odds ratio [OR] = 2.204). Additionally, for every 1 mm reduction in the MB‐ML orifice distance, the likelihood of detection of MMC in MFM nearly doubled (OR = 1.738). Furthermore, MFMs with MB‐ML isthmus were five times more likely to exhibit MMC than those without it (OR = 4.756). The findings revealed that the prevalence of MMC and isthmus in MFMs is high and suggested that anatomical and demographic variables can serve as valuable indicators for clinicians in anticipating their presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetofossils are nanosized magnetic fossil remnants of magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) that are widely distributed in marine and freshwater sediments. Past studies have revealed that changes in the morphology and abundance of magnetofossils are linked with diverse paleoenvironmental changes, such as glacial‐interglacial variation, redox conditions associated with primary productivity and organic matter supply, chemical weathering and diagenesis. Besides, it has long been speculated that changes in geomagnetic field intensity could also affect the abundance of magnetofossils. However, it is not yet clear, how these environmental factors controlled past MTB populations in combination. To answer this question, we studied magnetofossils‐rich sediments from cores MD01‐2443 and 2444 off the Southwest Iberian Margin. The paleomagnetic records of our samples reveal geomagnetic excursions corresponding to the Laschamp, Blake, Iceland Basin, and Pringle Falls events. We estimated the relative abundance of magnetofossils in the samples based on isothermal remanent magnetization unmixing and found it to increase during warmer periods and decrease during colder periods, while not covary with changes in the geomagnetic field intensity. To further distinguish the role of different paleoenvironmental factors, we compared magnetofossil abundance with planktonic δ18O, δ13C of organic matter, K/Al and Si/Al, which indicate continental ice volume (paleotemperature), organic matter origin, run‐off intensity and productivity, respectively. The results indicate that less continental ice volume (higher paleotemperature), enhanced productivity and run‐off intensity are closely related and jointly promoted magnetofossil production and preservation. Our study offers a comprehensive approach to understanding how magnetofossil assemblages relate to paleoenvironmental changes off the SW Iberian Margin. Plain Language Summary: Magnetofossils are inorganic remnants of a special kind of bacteria, called magnetotactic bacteria, which live in marine and freshwater sediments and produce tiny magnetic mineral particles for navigation. Previous studies found that magnetofossils can indicate the variation of the environment in the past. However, few studies focus on how magnetofossils vary with the variations in the Earth's magnetic field intensity. In this study, we selected samples of cores MD01‐2443 and 2444 off the Iberian margin to investigate how magnetofossils respond to the environmental change including the variation of geomagnetic field intensity from 18.5 to 49.56 ka and 104.78 to 223.92 ka. We distinguished four geomagnetic excursion events accompanied by a reduction in the geomagnetic field intensity. We applied a new hybrid unmixing method to determine the abundance of magnetofossils in our samples. Our results show that magnetofossil abundance has no relationship with the variation of geomagnetic field intensity. Besides, we used geochemical methods to determine the intensity of river‐off, productivity, and the origin of organic matter off the SW Iberian margin. Our results show that magnetofossils can be controlled by the multiple environmental factors mentioned above. Our study is helpful for better understanding the paleoenvironmental implications of magnetofossils. Key Points: We used a hybrid unmixing approach to quantify the relative abundances of magnetofossils in Quaternary marine sedimentsMagnetofossil abundance correlates with glacial‐interglacial change, productivity, and river run‐off off the SW Iberian marginAn impact of geomagnetic field intensity on magnetofossil content and composition is not apparent [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MCF7 cells have been used as an experimental model for breast cancer for decades. Typically, a culture medium is designed to supply cells with the nutrients essential for their continuous proliferation. Each medium has a specific nutritional composition. Therefore, cells cultured in different media may exhibit differences in their metabolism. However, only a few studies have investigated the effects of media on cells. In this study, we compared the effects of Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM) and minimum essential medium alpha modification (αMEM) on MCF7 cells. The two media differentially affected the morphology, cell cycle, and proliferation of MCF7 cells, but had no effect on cell death. Replacement of DMEM with αMEM led to a decrease in ATP production and an increase in reactive oxygen species production, but did not affect the cell viability. RNA-sequencing and bioinformatic analyses revealed 721 significantly upregulated and 1247 downregulated genes in cells cultured in αMEM for 48 h compared with that in cells cultured in DMEM. The enriched gene ontology terms were related to mitosis and cell proliferation. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis revealed cell cycle and DNA replication as the top two significant pathways. MCF7 cells were hypoxic when cultured in αMEM. These results show that the culture medium considerably affects cultured cells. Thus, the stability of the culture system in a study is very important to obtain reliable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrial fibrillation, one of the most common persistent cardiac arrhythmias globally, is known for its rapid and irregular atrial rhythms. This study integrates the temporal convolutional network (TCN) and residual network (ResNet) frameworks to effectively classify atrial fibrillation in single-lead ECGs, thereby enhancing the application of neural networks in this field. Our model demonstrated significant success in detecting atrial fibrillation, with experimental results showing an accuracy rate of 97% and an F1 score of 87%. These figures indicate the model's exceptional performance in identifying both majority and minority classes, reflecting its balanced and accurate classification capability. This research offers new perspectives and tools for diagnosis and treatment in cardiology, grounded in advanced neural network technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a dominantly inherited disorder that involves epistaxis, mucocutaneous telangiectases, and visceral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). This study aims to investigate the genetic causes in a Chinese family with HHT. Methods: HHT was confirmed according to Curaçao's diagnostic criteria. Three patients diagnosed with HHT and healthy members were recruited. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and sanger sequencing were performed to define the patient's genetically pathogenic factor. Results: The proband presented with recurrent epistaxis, hepatopulmonary arteriovenous malformation, and adenocarcinoma. A novel frameshift mutation (c.1376_1377delAC, p.H459Lfs*41) of the ENG gene was revealed in affected individuals by WES. There was no report of this variant and predicted to be highly damaging by causing truncation of the ENG protein. Conclusion: We report a novel variant in the ENG gene in Chinese that extends the mutational and phenotypic spectra of the ENG gene, and also demonstrates the feasibility of WES in the application of genetic diagnosis of HHT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the domain of streaming recommender systems, conventional methods for addressing new user IDs or item IDs typically involve assigning initial ID embeddings randomly. However, this practice results in two practical challenges: (i) Items or users with limited interactive data may yield suboptimal prediction performance. (ii) Embedding new IDs or low-frequency IDs necessitates consistently expanding the embedding table, leading to unnecessary memory consumption. In light of these concerns, we introduce a reinforcement learning-driven framework, namely AutoAssign+, that facilitates Automatic Shared Embedding Assignment Plus. To be specific, AutoAssign+ utilizes an Identity Agent as an actor network, which plays a dual role: (i) representing low-frequency IDs field-wise with a small set of shared embeddings to enhance the embedding initialization and (ii) dynamically determining which ID features should be retained or eliminated in the embedding table. The policy of the agent is optimized with the guidance of a critic network. To evaluate the effectiveness of our approach, we perform extensive experiments on three commonly used benchmark datasets. Our experiment results demonstrate that AutoAssign+ is capable of significantly enhancing recommendation performance by mitigating the cold-start problem. Furthermore, our framework yields a reduction in memory usage of approximately 20–30%, verifying its practical effectiveness and efficiency for streaming recommender systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of multielectron Mn2+/MnO2 cathode reaction achieves high‐energy aqueous acid–base asymmetric hybrid batteries. However, the ion crossover through the membrane and the accumulation of unreacted MnO2 lead to serve potential and capacity decay of the cathode during cycling. Herein, the catholyte modulation using the KCl additive and the design of a Prussian blue/Berlin green (PB/BG) redox mediator on the cathode current collector are developed to promote high‐potential Mn2+/MnO2 reaction. The addition of saturated KCl greatly suppresses the ion crossover to maintain the catholyte acidity, thus enabling high‐potential Mn2+/MnO2 reaction and stable high‐voltage discharge plateau of ≈2.2 V for the hybrid battery at a prolonged cycling. The reversible MnO2 deposition is effectively improved by the PB/BG redox mediator, which contributes to significant enhancements in the reversible capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability of the cathode. Importantly, the as‐assembled hybrid battery exhibits the highest energy density of ≈260 Wh kg−1 (based on the mass of the aqueous MnCl2 catholyte and a hydrogen storage anode material) among the previously reported Mn‐based acid–base asymmetric batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microscale gas chromatography (μGC) systems are miniaturized instruments that typically incorporate one or several microfabricated fluidic elements; such systems are generally well suited for the automated sampling and analysis of gas-phase chemicals. Advanced μGC systems may incorporate more than 15 elements and operate these elements in different coordinated sequences to execute complex operations. In particular, the control software must manage the sampling and analysis operations of the μGC system in a time-sensitive manner; while operating multiple control loops, it must also manage error conditions, data acquisition, and user interactions when necessary. To address these challenges, this work describes the investigation of multithreaded control software and its evaluation with a representative μGC system. The μGC system is based on a progressive cellular architecture that uses multiple μGC cells to efficiently broaden the range of chemical analytes, with each cell incorporating multiple detectors. Implemented in Python language version 3.7.3 and executed by an embedded single-board computer, the control software enables the concurrent control of heaters, pumps, and valves while also gathering data from thermistors, pressure sensors, capacitive detectors, and photoionization detectors. A graphical user interface (UI) that operates on a laptop provides visualization of control parameters in real time. In experimental evaluations, the control software provided successful operation and readout for all the components, including eight sets of thermistors and heaters that form temperature feedback loops, two sets of pressure sensors and tunable gas pumps that form pressure head feedback loops, six capacitive detectors, three photoionization detectors, six valves, and an additional fixed-flow gas pump. A typical run analyzing 18 chemicals is presented. Although the operating system does not guarantee real-time operation, the relative standard deviations of the control loop timings were <0.5%. The control software successfully supported >1000 μGC runs that analyzed various chemical mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the investigation of coaxial electrohydrodynamic jet printing of nanostructures on silicon dioxide wafers with an assisted-tip nut polar electrode. The simulation was performed using COMSOL Multiphysics software to obtain a stable coaxial electrohydrodynamic jet (CE-Jet) under optimized processing parameters. Subsequently, an assisted-tip nut polar electrode (tungsten needle, width = 50 µm) was used to enhance the electric field strength and induce free charges on the substrate surface to improve the stability of insulating substrate printing. Then, optimized parameters, i.e., voltage = 5.5 kV, internal and external fluid flow rate = 200 nl/min, 3 μl/min and print height = 3.0 mm, were used in experiments for printing on the silicon dioxide (thickness = 400 µm) substrate. The optimization was confirmed in simulations and experiments, where the CE-Jet morphology was stable, linear and controlled. The original semiconductor (indacenodithiophene-co-benzothiadiazole [IDT-BT]) solution was used as the core fluid, and when the ratio of internal to external fluid flow was 1:2, the coaxial jets tended to be more stable. Because the focused tip induced an electric charge opposite the polarity of the jet on the silicon dioxide substrate, a highly flexible and sensitive array of flat suspended nanobeams was directly printed on the substrate using a 130-µm needle. The diameter of the suspended nanobeam was measured as 100 nm after removing the silicone oil solution. The nanostructures printed on the nonconductive substrate may be considered an attractive application route for organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) in optoelectronics research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, due to more excavation projects near existing tunnels, the research on tunnel deformation control has become very important and urgent. However, the systematic study of the control effectiveness of partition piles, one of the commonly used methods for controlling tunnel deformation, was not mature yet. In response to this situation, a series of centrifuge modelling studies were performed to explore how nearby existing tunnels respond to excavations with partition piles in a dry sand foundation. The tests provided insights into the variations of the horizontal displacement of retaining walls, surface settlement, the horizontal and vertical displacements of the tunnel, and the circular induced strain of the tunnel. The test results showed that the horizontal displacement of retaining walls exhibited a cantilever-type displacement pattern. The most significant surface settlement occurred near the retaining wall and decreased as the distance from the retaining wall increased. The overall deformation of the tunnel roughly showed an ellipsoidal deformation pattern in the horizontal direction. The maximum horizontal displacement was observed at the right shoulder of the tunnel, while the maximum vertical displacement occurred at the right arch of the tunnel. Increasing the length of the partition piles led to a deterioration in their deformation control effectiveness. The top burial depth of the pile could further improve the control effectiveness of the partition piles. However, when the top burial depth of the pile was excessive and exceeded its critical value, the improvement effect of the burial depth on the partition piles diminished. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium has been regarded as an intriguing anode material for chloride ion batteries (CIB) because of its abundant resources, multi-electron reaction feature, and high volumetric capacity. However, the passivation of magnesium in the electrolyte and formation of insulating MgCl2 discharge product lead to poor reaction activity of magnesium anode in CIBs. Herein, the Mg2Sn alloy prepared by mechanical alloying of magnesium and tin powders is first developed as the anode material with enhanced interfacial activity in the CIB using a metal chloride cathode. The cathode exhibits a significant increase in the discharge capacity from 82 to 175 mAh g−1 when an Mg/carbon anode was replaced by the Mg2Sn alloy anode. The discharge capacity can be further increased to more than 200 mAh g−1 when the graphene nanoplatelet is incorporated in the Mg2Sn alloy by mechanical milling, thus demonstrating the highly active alloy anode for chloride ion storage. This strategy also benefits the improvement in the cycling performance of the magnesium anode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The N-1 criterion is a critical factor for ensuring the reliable and resilient operation of electric power distribution networks. However, the increasing complexity of distribution networks and the associated growth in data size have created a significant challenge for distribution network planners. To address this issue, we propose a fast N-1 verification procedure for urban distribution networks that combines CIM file data analysis with MILP-based mathematical modeling. Our proposed method leverages the principles of CIM file analysis for distribution network N-1 analysis. We develop a mathematical model of distribution networks based on CIM data and transfer it into MILP. We also take into account the characteristics of medium voltage distribution networks after a line failure and select the feeder section at the exit of each substation with a high load rate to improve the efficiency of N-1 analysis. We validate our approach through a series of case studies and demonstrate its scalability and superiority over traditional N-1 analysis and heuristic optimization algorithms. By enabling online N-1 analysis, our approach significantly improves the work efficiency of distribution network planners. In summary, our proposed method provides a valuable tool for distribution network planners to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of their N-1 analyses. By leveraging the advantages of CIM file data analysis and MILP-based mathematical modeling, our approach contributes to the development of more resilient and reliable electric power distribution networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In power systems with high penetration of renewable energy, traditional physical model-based optimal dispatch methods suffer from modeling difficulties and poor adaptability, while data-driven dispatch methods, represented by reinforcement learning, have the advantage of fast decision making and reflecting long-term benefits. However, the performances of data-driven methods are much limited by the problem of distribution shift under insufficient power system scenario samples in the training. To address this issue, this paper proposes an improved scenario division method by integrating the power system's key physical features and the data-driven variational autoencoder (VAE)-generated features. Next, based on the scenario division results, a multi-scenario data-driven dispatch model is established. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by a simulation conducted on a real power system model in a province of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chloride-ion batteries (CIBs) are one of the promising candidates for energy storage due to their low cost, high theoretical energy density and high safety. However, the limited types of cathode materials in CIBs have hindered their development. In this work, a NiTi-LDH@CNT composite is prepared using a reverse microemulsion method and applied in CIBs for the first time. The specific surface area and the pore volume of the obtained NiTi-LDH@CNT composites can reach 266 m2 g−1 and 0.42 cm3 g−1, respectively. Electrochemical tests indicate that the composite electrode delivers a reversible specific capacity of 69 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1 in 0.5 M PP14Cl/PC electrolyte. Ni2+/Ni3+ and Ti3+/Ti4+ valence changes during electrochemical cycling are demonstrated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), while reversible migration of Cl− is revealed by ex-situ EDS and ex-situ XRD. The stable layered structure and abundant valence changes of the NiTi-LDH@CNT composite make it an exceptional candidate as a cathode material for CIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The genetic basis of empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is largely unknown, and the aim of this study was to investigate the genetic causes of EFS in primary infertile women. Methods: Four affected women diagnosed with anovulation were recruited, and whole exome sequencing (WES) was requested for the genetic diagnosis of the cases. One hundred healthy controls were verified by Sanger sequencing. Results: A novel homozygous variant of the LHCGR gene (NM_000233:c.1847C>A) was revealed in one affected individual by WES. Trios analysis of the mutation revealed an autosomal recessive pattern. This LHCGR variant was absent in 100 healthy controls and predicted to be highly damaging to the function of LHCGR. Conclusions: The novel variant extends the mutational spectrum of the LHCGR gene associated with female sterility, which promotes the prognostic value of testing for LHCGR mutations in infertile women with EFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique natural geographical conditions and land use patterns in semiarid sandy areas have resulted in a distinct cultivated landscape. Identifying and classifying the morphological characteristics of cultivated land are key to improving land utilization efficiency. This study focuses on the semiarid sandy areas of China. We obtained information on cropland morphology by judging high-precision remote sensing images and landscape pattern analysis, and then determined the spatial clustering characteristics of different plot morphologies through local spatial autocorrelation analysis. The results are as follows: cultivated land can be classified into five main types: simple large plots, complex large plots, simple small plots, complex small plots, and scattered plots, and there are significant differences in morphology between eastern and western plots. In addition, different morphology types of plots formed a variety of aggregation patterns; clustered plots are surrounded by scattered plots, showing a staggered distribution pattern. Farmers and land managers can make more informed decisions regarding irrigation, fertilization, and crop selection, and this knowledge can provide a basis for further optimizing the layout of cultivated land, identifying fragmented cultivated land, and scientifically recovering farmland to ensure more scientific and refined classification management and zoning protection of cultivated land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To optimize steam pretreatment conditions and solve the problem of bamboo deformation more effectively under standard atmospheric pressure, the dimensional stability of bamboo units was used as the main evaluation index to compare acid, alkali, and ultrasound combined steam heat pretreatments in this paper. An optimized process of zinc chloride pretreatment, 40% initial moisture content, and 140 °C (0.1013 MPa) by orthogonal experimental analysis was proposed. Under the optimized condition, the moisture excluding efficiency (MEE) of treated bamboo could reach 31.14% and the anti-swelling efficiency (ASE) could reach more than 37.10%. Moreover, the samples were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and colorimeter. The results showed that the relative crystallinity of bamboo increased by 1.82%, the hydroxyl percentage (HP) decreased by 1.99%, and the total color change (∆E*ab) increased by 21.19 − 25.09. The treated surface became rougher, and cracks appeared in some weaker areas, accelerating starch loss and removing granular attachments around the pits. This work provides an effective pretreatment for improving the dimensional stability of steamed bamboo units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To increase the printing stability of low-viscosity solutions, an auxiliary method was proposed using a coaxial electrohydrodynamic jet. A high-viscosity solution was employed as the outer layer in the printing process, and it could be removed (dissolved away) after printing the structures. A combination of mechanical and electrical forces was proposed to enhance the consistency, durability, and alignment of the printed versatile structures. The instability of the jet trajectory (which arose from the repulsion between the jet and the base with a residual charge, in addition to the winding effect of the solution) was also reduced using the drag force along the direction of movement. Moreover, the jet velocity, the surface charge, and the influence of various working voltages on the jet speed were simulated. An array of IDT-BT nanostructures measuring about 100 nm was prepared on silicon dioxide (using an inner needle with a diameter of 130 µm) by equating the moving speed (350 mm/s) of the substrate to the speed of the jet. Moreover, the moving speed (350 mm/s) of the substrate was compared exclusively to the speed of the jet. The method proposed throughout this study can provide a reference for enhancing the stability of low-viscosity solutions on substrates for high-efficiency fabrication devices (NEMS/MEMS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although a cancer diagnosis and stoma creation leave colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors with significant limitations on participation in life activities that would impair their global quality of life (QoL), the underlying psychological mechanisms are understudied. The aim of this cross-section study was to examine whether psychological distress mediates the association of limitations on participation in life activity with global QoL, and whether family functioning moderated the indirect effects of limitations on participation in life activities on global QoL through psychological distress. Methods: CRC survivors with permanent stomas (n = 282) completed questionnaires assessing socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, limitations on participation in life activities, psychological distress, family functioning, and global QoL. The mediation model and moderated mediation model were conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS. Results: Mediation analysis showed that the association of limitations on participation in life activities with global QoL was partially mediated by psychological distress (indirect effect = −0.087, 95% CI = −0.135 to −0.041). Moderated mediation analysis indicated that the indirect effects of limitations on participation in life activities on global QoL through psychological distress were significantly moderated by family functioning. Specifically, the indirect effects decreased were significant as family functioning levels increased. Conclusion: CRC survivors with permanent stomas experienced poor global QoL. The moderated mediation model provides a better understanding of how limitations on participation in life activities, psychological distress, and family functioning work together to affect global QoL. Interventions aiming to improve QoL among CRC survivors with permanent stomas should consider targeting these aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychological distress is an important mental health problem in college students. Insomnia may be a major factor contributing to psychological distress. This study aimed to explore the indirect relationship between insomnia and psychological distress through the five PERMA wellbeing variables (i.e., positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning in life, and achievement) among nursing college students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in China using an online survey design. Mediation analyses were examined using the PROCESS macro version 4.1 for SPSS 27.0. A total of 1741 nursing college students completed the online survey. Results: Insomnia was positively associated with psychological distress (p < 0.01, r = 0.673), while negative associations were detected between PERMA wellbeing variables and insomnia (p < 0.01, r range = −0.176 and −0.272), as well as psychological distress (p < 0.01, r range = −0.196 and −0.386). The association between insomnia and psychological distress was partially mediated by the participants' positive emotions (indirect effect = 0.137, SE = 0.024, 95% CI boot = [0.094, 0.188]), engagement (indirect effect = −0.033, SE = 0.010, 95% CI boot = [−0.054, −0.017]), and meaning in life (indirect effect = 0.027, SE = 0.014, 95% CI boot = [0.001, 0.055]) but not their relationships or achievement of the PERMA wellbeing variables. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that the PERMA wellbeing variables, especially positive emotions, engagement, and meaning in life, could be potential mechanisms by which insomnia is associated with psychological distress. The mediating roles of PERMA wellbeing variables between insomnia and psychological distress could be incorporated into the health management of university administrations to promote the health and wellbeing of nursing college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovative modes of response can greatly push forward chemical sensing processes and subsequently improve sensing performance. Classical chemical sensing modes seldom involve the transition of a delicate molecular assembly during the response. Here, we display a sensing mode for polyamine detection based on an order–order transition of iron–sulfur complexes upon their assembly. Strong validation proves that the unique order–order transition of the assemblies is the driving force of the response, in which the polyamine captures the metal ion of the iron–sulfur complex, leading it to decompose into a metal–polyamine product, accompanied by an order–order transition of the assemblies. This mechanism makes the detection process more intuitive and selective, and remarkably improves the detection efficiency, achieving excellent polyamines specificity, second-level response, convenient visual detection, and good recyclability of the sensing system. Furthermore, this paper also provides opportunities for the further application of the iron–sulfur platform in environment-related fields. Polyamine detection is of particular importance in the food industry, typically achieved via direct bonding between sensor and analyte or by indicator displacement. Here, the self-assembly of iron–sulfur complexes is shown to enable the efficient and selective detection of polyamines, driven by an order-to-order transition upon assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of human severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses significant challenges to global public health. Despite the extensive efforts of researchers worldwide, there remains considerable opportunities for improvement in timely diagnosis, specific treatment, and effective vaccines for SARS-CoV-2. This is due, in part, to the large number of asymptomatic carriers, rapid virus mutations, inconsistent confinement policies, untimely diagnosis and limited clear treatment plans. The emerging of nanozymes offers a promising approach for combating SARS-CoV-2 due to their stable physicochemical properties and high surface areas, which enable easier and multiple nano-bio interactions in vivo. Nanozymes inspire the development of sensitive and economic nanosensors for rapid detection, facilitate the development of specific medicines with minimal side effects for targeted therapy, trigger defensive mechanisms in the form of vaccines, and eliminate SARS-CoV-2 in the environment for prevention. In this review, we briefly present the limitations of existing countermeasures against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We then reviewed the applications of nanozyme-based platforms in the fields of diagnostics, therapeutics and the prevention in COVID-19. Finally, we propose opportunities and challenges for the further development of nanozyme-based platforms for COVID-19. We expect that our review will provide valuable insights into the new emerging and re-emerging infectious pandemic from the perspective of nanozymes. Highlights: Nanozyme-based platforms have demonstrated improved sensitivity for SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection, reduced cost, and facilitated rapid diagnosis, making them a promising tool for COVID-19 diagnostics. Nanozyme-based platforms offer potential benefits in targeted therapy for COVID-19 due to their ability to specifically counteract and eliminate SARS-CoV-2 with potentially fewer side effects. Nanozyme-based platforms have been shown to act as immunostimulatory molecules, activating the defense response of the immune system against SARS-CoV-2, potentially providing a therapeutic avenue for COVID-19 treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cytotoxicity of NK cells is largely dependent on IgG Fc receptor CD16a, which mediates antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). The high-affinity and non-cleavable CD16 (hnCD16) is developed and demonstrated a multi-tumor killing potential. However, the hnCD16 receptor activates a single CD16 signal and provides limited tumor suppression. How to exploit the properties of hnCD16 and incorporate NK cell-specific activation domains is a promising development direction to further improve the anti-tumor activity of NK cells. Methods: To expand the applications of hnCD16-mediated ADCC for NK cell-based immunotherapy in cancer, we designed the hnCD16 Fusion Receptor (FR) constructs with the ectodomain of hnCD16 fused with NK cell-specific activating domains in the cytoplasm. FR constructs were transduced into CD16-negative NK cell line and human iPSC-derived NK (iNK) cells and effective FR constructs were screened. The up-regulation of immune activation- and cytokine-releasing-related pathways in FR-transduced NK cells was screened and validated by RNA sequencing and multiplex cytokines release assay, respectively. The tumor-killing efficiency was tested in vitro and in vivo via co-culture with tumor cell lines and xenograft mice-bearing human B-cell lymphoma, respectively. Results: We screened the most effective combination to kill B cell lymphoma, which was fused with the ectodomain of hnCD16a, NK-specific co-stimulators (2B4 and DAP10) and CD3ζ in cytoplasmic domains. The screened construct showed excellent cytotoxicity effects and sharp multiple cytokines releasing both in the NK cell line and iNK cells. The transcriptomic analysis and validation assays of hnCD16- and hnCD16FR-transduced NK cells showed that hnCD16FR transduction remodeled immune-related transcriptome in NK cells, where significant upregulation of genes related to cytotoxicity, high cytokines releasing, induced tumor cell apoptosis, and ADCC in comparison with hnCD16 transduction were highlighted. In vivo xenograft studies demonstrated that a single low-dose regimen of engineered hnCD16FR iPSC-derived NK cells co-administered with anti-CD20 mAb treatment mediated potent activity and significantly improved survival. Conclusion: We developed a novel hnCD16FR construct that exhibits more potent cytotoxicity than reported hnCD16, which is a promising approach to treat malignancies with improved ADCC properties. We also offer a rationale for NK activation domains that remodel immune response to enhance CD16 signaling in NK cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (CD-MOFs) exhibit a high structural diversity, which contributes to their functional properties. In this study, we have successfully synthesized a novel type of β-cyclodextrin metal-organic framework (β-CD-POF(I)) that exhibits excellent drug adsorption capacity and enhances stability. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that β-CD-POF(I) possessed the dicyclodextrin channel moieties and long-parallel tubular cavities. Compared with the reported β-CD-MOFs, the β-CD-POF(I) has a more promising drug encapsulation capability. Here, the stability of vitamin A palmitate (VAP) was effectively improved by the solvent-free method. Molecular modeling and other characterization techniques like synchrotron radiation Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (SR-FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and nitrogen adsorption isotherm were applied to confirm that the VAP was successfully encapsulated into the channel formed by the dicyclodextrin pairs. Furthermore, the mechanism of stability enhancement for VAP was determined to be due to the constraint and separation effects of β-CD pairs on VAP. Therefore, β-CD-POF(I) is capable of trapping and stabilizing certain unstable drug molecules, offering benefits and application possibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) renders cancer cells vulnerable to unrepaired double-strand breaks and is an important therapeutic target as exemplified by the clinical efficacy of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors as well as the platinum chemotherapy drugs applied to HRD patients. However, it remains a challenge to predict HRD status precisely and economically. Copy number alteration (CNA), as a pervasive trait of human cancers, can be extracted from a variety of data sources, including whole genome sequencing (WGS), SNP array, and panel sequencing, and thus can be easily applied clinically. Here we systematically evaluate the predictive performance of various CNA features and signatures in HRD prediction and build a gradient boosting machine model (HRDCNA) for pan-cancer HRD prediction based on these CNA features. CNA features BP10MB[1] (The number of breakpoints per 10MB of DNA is 1) and SS[ > 7 & <=8] (The log10-based size of segments is greater than 7 and less than or equal to 8) are identified as the most important features in HRD prediction. HRDCNA suggests the biallelic inactivation of BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D, and BARD1 as the major genetic basis for human HRD, and may also be applied to effectively validate the pathogenicity of BRCA1/2 variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Together, this study provides a robust tool for cost-effective HRD prediction and also demonstrates the applicability of CNA features and signatures in cancer precision medicine. Analysis of copy number patterns of cancer genomes helps in devising a machine learning algorithm that can accurately predict homologous recombination deficiency status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partition piles are widely used in tunnel displacement control under excavation. However, the control effect of partition piles has not been systematically studied, and the centrifuge model test is lacking. In view of this situation, the centrifuge model test design of the deformation of the adjacent existing tunnel caused by the excavation in terms of the partition piles under the dry sand foundation was carried out, and a series of optimization designs were carried out in the experimental design process according to the numerical simulation results. In addition, the numerical simulation of the centrifuge model test was carried out, and the calculated results were discussed and analyzed. The conclusions were obtained as follows: The magnesium-aluminum alloy materials were used to model the structural members, and its elastic modulus was close to that of common reinforced concrete; the high precision digital image correlation technology (DIC) was used to measure the horizontal and vertical displacement of the tunnel. The results of numerical simulation show that the embedded partition piles can play a better role in controlling the tunnel displacement than the non-partition piles and the non-embedded partition piles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]