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Abstract The efficiency of the power‐to‐hydrogen (P2H) alkaline electrolyzer (AE) is the primary factor constraint on its large‐scale application. Decreasing the specific energy consumption (SEC) of AE is positive to enhancing the efficiency of P2H system. However, the factors influencing the SEC of AE are yet to be fully revealed. In this paper, the influence of power quality and stack temperature on the SEC of AE is explored. Firstly, the models of double star rectifier and PWM current‐type rectifier are established. And the mathematical model on the SEC of rectifiers is proposed. The influence of power quality on the SEC is analyzed by comparing the current and voltage waveforms under four types of rectifiers. Secondly, the model of AE that considers the stack temperature is proposed. Unlike the existing simplified models, the proposed model can assess the SEC considering changes in stack temperature. Finally, the results show that the SEC with the 6‐pulse rectifier is 10.99% and 11.98% higher than that with the double‐star rectifier and PWM current‐type rectifier. The stack temperature is inversely related to the SEC of AE. This study provides a reference for reducing the SEC and enhancing the efficiency of the P2H system.

Abstract Smart voice systems, such as voice assistants and smart speakers, are integral to domains such as smart homes, customer service, healthcare, and smart learning. The effectiveness of these systems relies on user comprehension performance, which is crucial for enhancing user experience. In this study, the primary factors influencing comprehension performance in multilanguage smart voice systems are examined, and the efficacy of various analytical methods, including LASSO regression, SEM, PLS-SEM, CNN, and BiLSTM, are assessed by identifying and improving these factors. Using a diverse dataset from human–computer interaction experiments made publicly available on GitHub, these five methods are applied to discern the impact of environmental and user-specific factors on comprehension. The key findings indicate the following: 1) Noise types and noise sound levels markedly affect comprehension. Noise sound level exhibited an inverted U-shape curve (parameter: 0.088) due to the low and high levels of noise. Certain rhythmic noises, such as those from clocks (parameter: 0.033), enhance comprehension by fostering a conducive auditory environment. 2) Analytical method comparisons reveal that while LASSO regression (MSE = 0.026), SEM, and PLS-SEM effectively map the linear relationships and pathways affecting comprehension, deep learning approaches such as CNN and BiLSTM (MSE = 0.019) excel at handling complex, multidimensional data, offering superior predictive performance.3) In a non-native language environment, the evaluation of user comprehension models is notably different from that in native language settings (native R 2: 0.545; non-native R 2: 0.347). Specifically, in non-native language environments, the variables and mechanisms influencing user comprehension models are clearer, more controllable, and more susceptible to proficiency levels (parameter: 0.164). This comprehensive study presents a novel comparison of traditional statistical and machine learning methods in analyzing smart voice system interaction across languages. These findings emphasize the significance of tailoring smart voice systems to user diversity in language proficiency, age, and educational background and suggest optimizing these systems under varied environmental conditions to improve comprehension and overall effectiveness. The insights from this study are critical for policymakers and designers aiming to refine the adaptability and user-centric nature of smart voice systems.

Abstract We established a method based on ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‒MS/MS) to quantitatively measure tepotinib, which was validated as acceptable and used in the evaluation of food-drug interactions between tepotinib and naringenin in rats. We used pemigatinib as the internal standard (IS), and acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution constituted the mobile phase. To extract the target analyte, acetonitrile was used for protein precipitation (PPT). For UPLC‒MS/MS, we performed liquid chromatography using a C18 column, and mass spectrometry was performed in positive multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Excellent linearity was shown in the range of 0.1–500 ng/mL, and the coefficient of correlation was > 0.99. Notably, the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for tepotinib was determined to be 0.1 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day accuracy of tepotinib ranged from − 1.7 to 7.3%, while the precision was ≤ 8.4%, at three concentrations except LLOQ. The recovery of each substance was ≥ 81.2%, and the matrix effects were within 90.5-98.6%. The stabilities of all analytes under different conditions met all requirements for quantitation in plasma samples. The relevant parameters, such as LLOQ, were evaluated in accordance with the principles of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) biological verification method. Food-drug interaction study had shown that the plasma concentration of tepotinib could be significantly increased, accompanied by a decrease in clearance rate when administered with 50 mg/kg naringenin. The results showed that naringenin could increase the plasma concentration and decrease the clearance rate of tepotinib when naringenin and tepotinib were administered at the same time.

Abstract Direct current (DC) motors are crucial in drones, robotics, and electrical devices. Conventionally, the DC motor is driven by a switching electricity converter, which utilizes electrical energy to drive mechanical motion. However, the rapid on-off switching actions in the switching electricity converter would cause electromagnetic interference (EMI), impairing the functionality of drive systems. Here, we propose a photon-driven DC motor system based on photonic converter, which utilizes optical energy to drive mechanical motion, and therefore avoids EMI derived from electrical switching and immunizes against EMI during electrical energy transmission in conventional switching electricity-driven DC motor system. The operation principle and power modulation-based speed control are also presented for the proposed photon-driven DC motor system. The experiments demonstrate that the motor accurately follows the speed reference and withstands load disturbances. This innovation opens new potential for DC motor applications by improving electromagnetic compatibility.

Abstract Purpose Colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery in elderly patients with hypertension poses challenges due to potential complications and prolonged recovery. This study aimed to assess the impact of multimodal opioid-sparing anesthesia on intestinal function and prognosis of elderly hypertension patients undergoing CRC surgery. Methods A total of 80 elderly hypertension patients who underwent open surgery for CRC in the People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from October 2020 to October 2022 were selected and randomly divided into two group (A and B, n = 40) through the random number table method. Group A received multimodal opioid-sparing anesthesia, defined as low-dose opioid general anesthesia combined with a transversus abdominis plane block, incision infiltration with local anesthetics, and postoperative analgesia via a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump, with the remifentanil dose set at one-third (± 10%) of the conventional group’s dose. Group B received conventional opioid anesthesia, involving standard general anesthesia maintained with remifentanil at 0.4–0.5 µg/(kg·min), incision infiltration with local anesthetics, and postoperative PCA. Primary outcomes included mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), changes in albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC), indicators of intestinal function recovery (the recovery time of bowel sounds, the first exhaust time, the first defecation time and the feeding recovery time), and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores. Second outcomes included postoperative complications and total hospital stays. Results After excluding 8 patients, 72 were included in the final analysis. Compared with patients in the B group, patients in the A group exhibited shorter recovery time of bowel sounds, first exhaust time and feeding recovery time (P

Abstract Background Amorphophallus konjac (A. konjac), a perennial tuberous plant, is widely cultivated for its high konjac glucomannan (KGM) content, a heteropolysaccharide with diverse applications. The cellulose synthase-like (CSL) gene family is known to be a group of processive glycan synthases involved in the synthesis of cell-wall polysaccharides and plays an important role in the biological process of KGM. However, in A. konjac the classification, structure, and function of the AkCSLA superfamily have been studied very little. Results Bioinformatics methods were used to identify the 11 AkCSLA genes from the whole genome of Amorphophallus konjac and to systematically analyze their characteristics, phylogenetic evolution, promoter cis-elements, expression patterns, and subcellular locations. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the AkCSLA gene family can be divided into three subfamilies (Groups I- III), which have close relationships with Arabidopsis. The promoters of most AkCSLA family members contain MBS elements and ABA response elements. Analysis of expression patterns in different tissues showed that most AkCSLAs are highly expressed in the corms. Notably, PEG6000 induced down-regulation of the expression of most AkCSLAs, including AkCSLA11. Subcellular localization results showed that AkCSLA11 was localized to the plasma membrane, Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum. Transgenic Arabidopsis experiments demonstrated that overexpression of AkCSLA11 reduced the plant’s drought tolerance. This overexpression also inhibited the expression of drought response genes and altered the sugar components of the cell wall. These findings provide new insights into the response mechanisms of A. konjac to drought stress and may offer potential genetic resources for improving crop drought resistance. Conclusion In conclusion, the study reveals that the AkCSLA11 gene from A. konjac negatively impacts drought tolerance when overexpressed in Arabidopsis. This discovery provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of plant response to drought stress and may guide future research on crop improvement for enhanced resilience.

In this article, a single-board integrated millimeter-wave (mm-Wave) asymmetric full-digital beamforming (AFDBF) array is developed for beyond-fifth-generation (B5G) and sixth-generation (6G) communications. The proposed integrated array effectively addresses the challenge of arranging a large number of ports in a full-digital array by designing vertical connections in a three-dimensional space and successfully integrating full-digital transmitting (Tx) and receiving (Rx) arrays independently in a single board. Unlike the traditional symmetric array, the proposed asymmetric array is composed of an 8 × 8 Tx array arranged in a square shape and an 8 + 8 Rx array arranged in an L shape. The center-to-center distance between two adjacent elements is 0.54λ0 for both the Tx and Rx arrays, where λ0 is the free-space wavelength at 27 GHz. The proposed AFDBF array possesses a more compact structure and lower system hardware cost and power consumption compared with conventional brick-type full-digital arrays. In addition, the energy efficiency of the proposed AFDBF array outperforms that of a hybrid beamforming array. The measurement results indicate that the operating frequency band of the proposed array is 24.25–29.50 GHz. An eight-element linear array within the Tx array can achieve a scanning angle ranging from −47° to +47° in both the azimuth and the elevation planes, and the measured scanning range of each eight-element Rx array is –45° to +45°. The measured maximum effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) of the eight-element Tx array is 43.2 dBm at 28.0 GHz (considering the saturation point). Furthermore, the measured error vector magnitude (EVM) is less than 3% when 64-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) waveforms are used.

Abstract Obtaining inverter controller information may be a premise for seeking its dynamic behaviour. But accurate knowledge of such information would be unrealistic for real functioning inverter‐interfaced generators (IIGs), which hinders the stability analysis of the IIG. A new data‐driven impedance identification method is proposed for stability analysis, which involves an improved sparse identification algorithm as an ancillary function within the system identification framework. It contains mainly two design stages. First, the transform basis matrix (TBM) is devised systematically as a prior knowledge library to contain the possibly existing control structures. In the second stage, a sparse identification algorithm is reformulated in order to extract the relevant structures in TBM while obtaining controller parameters. The authors demonstrate that the sparse vector between the TBM and output signal is closely related to the controller structure. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified on grid‐connected inverters based on droop control and virtual synchronous machine control.

Abstract Efficient interbacterial competitions and diverse defensive strategies employed by various bacteria play a crucial role in acquiring a hold within a dense microbial community. The gut symbiont Bacteroides fragilis secretes an antimicrobial ubiquitin homologue (BfUbb) that targets an essential periplasmic PPIase to drive intraspecies bacterial competition. However, the mechanisms by which BfUbb enters the periplasm and its potential for interspecies antagonism remain poorly understood. Here, we employ transposon mutagenesis and identify a highly conserved TonB-dependent transporter SusCD (designated as ButCD) in B. fragilis as the BfUbb transporter. As a putative protein-related nutrient utilization system, ButCD is widely distributed across diverse Bacteroides species with varying sequence similarity, resulting in distinct import efficiency of Bacteroides ubiquitin homologues (BUbb) and thereby determining the species-specific toxicity of BUbb. Cryo-EM structural and functional investigations of the BfUbb–ButCD complex uncover distinctive structural features of ButC that are crucial for its targeting by BfUbb. Animal studies further demonstrate the specific and efficient elimination of enterotoxigenic B. fragilis (ETBF) in the murine gut by BfUbb, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic against ETBF-associated inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. Our findings provide a comprehensive elucidation of the species-specific toxicity exhibited by BUbb and explore its potential applications.

Abstract Background Pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA) for femoral neck fracture (FNF) can be severe, potentially leading to serious complications. PENG block has become an optional local analgesic strategy in hip fracture surgery, but it cannot provide effective pain relief for the posterior capsule of the hip joint. Therefore, we modified the traditional sacral plexus nerve block and named it Posterior Hip Pericapsule Block (PHPB) to complement the blockade of the relevant nerves innervating the posterior hip capsule region. Thereby, we detail the analgesic effect of PHPB combined with PENG block on five hip fracture patients and the effect on their hip motor function. Methods This case series was conducted from December 2023 to February 2024. We performed ultrasound-guided PHPB combined with PENG block on five patients with hip fractures. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores at rest and maximum NRS pain scores during limb movement of the five patients were recorded within 48 h after surgery. Their hip flexion, abduction, adduction, keen flexion and quadriceps muscle strength were also recorded. Serious postoperative complications, including wound infection, hematoma formation, or nerve injury, were recorded. Results They experienced effective pain control within 48 h postoperatively, with NRS pain scores at rest decreasing from 3.0 (3.0, 4.5) to 0.0 (0.0, 1.0) and maximum NRS pain scores during limb movement from 8.0 (7.5, 8.5) to 1.0 (0.5, 2.0). They can autonomously perform hip flexion, abduction, adduction, and knee flexion within 48 h postoperatively without any signs of movement disorders or quadriceps muscle weakness. No severe postoperative complications, such as wound infections, hematoma formation or nerve damage, were observed in any of the patients. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided PENG block combined with PHPB provided effective analgesia for hip fracture patients in the perioperative period. It maintained hip joint motor function and quadriceps muscle strength within 24 h after THA.

Abstract Objective This systematic review examined studies that assessed the relationship between mortality risk and multidimensional frailty. The pooled risk of mortality was estimated via a meta-analysis. Design A systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods A systematic search for potentially eligible literature was conducted on January 2, 2023, using five electronic databases: Web of Science, CINAHL, PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Embase. This review included cohort or longitudinal studies examining the association between multidimensional frailty/prefrailty and mortality in older adults. The quality of the included studies was evaluated via the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. Two independent researchers identified eligible studies and extracted the data. The data analyses were performed via STATA, version 15.0. Results A total of 24 studies with 34,664 participants were included. The 24 studies were published between 2012 and 2022, with most studies being performed in Italy (n = 16). The sample sizes of the included studies ranged from 71 to 12,020. Most included studies were conducted in hospital settings. The QUIPS bias assessment results showed that the most frequent source of potential bias was study confounding. The meta-analysis results showed that multidimensional frailty was a significant predictor of mortality (HR = 5.48, 95% CI = 3.91–7.67, p

In this work, we report a counter-intuitive activation of abnormal grain growth (AGG) in randomly-oriented fine grains (FGs) in an L-PBF Al–Mg–Sc–Zr alloy, which is unlikely from perspectives of curvature-driven grain growth, crystallographic texture or strain-induced boundary migration. The observed spontaneous AGG is understood in light of the growth instability of an arbitrary grain in an evolving particle-pinned polycrystalline aggregation. A generalized criterion for AGG is hence proposed, which efficaciously explains the observed susceptibility of FGs to AGG, the presence of multiple AGG activation sites, and the asynchrony of AGG activation.

The spatial Three-Dimensional (3D) edge network is one of the typical rank-lossless networks. The current network adjustment usually uses Least Squares (LS) algorithm, which has the complexity of linearization derivation, computational volume and other problems. It is based on high-precision ranging values. This study aims to minimize the sum of the difference between the inverse distance of the control point coordinates and the observation distance, the composition of the non-linear system of equations to build a functional model. Considering the advantages of the intelligent optimization algorithm in the non-linear equation system solving method, such as no demand derivation and simple formula derivation, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is introduced and the improved PSO algorithm is constructed; at the same time, the improved Gauss-Newton (G-N) algorithm is studied for the calculation of the 3D control network adjustment function model to solve the problems of computational volume and poor convergence performance of the algorithm with large residuals of the unknown parameters. The results show that the improved PSO algorithm and the improved G-N algorithm can guarantee the accuracy of the solution results. Compared with the traditional PSO algorithm, the improved PSO algorithm has a faster optimization speed. When the residuals of the unknown parameters are too large, the improved G-N algorithm is more stable than the improved PSO algorithm, which not only provides a new way to solve the spatial 3D network, but also provides theoretical support for the establishment of the spatial 3D network.

Abstract To investigate whether peritumoral edema (PE) could enhance deep learning radiomic (DLR) model in predicting axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) burden in breast cancer. Invasive breast cancer patients with preoperative MRI were retrospectively enrolled and categorized into low (

Abstract Ketamine has recently become an anesthetic drug used in human and veterinary clinical medicine for illicit abuse worldwide, but the detection of illicit abuse and inference of time intervals following ketamine abuse are challenging issues in forensic toxicological investigations. Here, we developed methods to estimate time intervals since ketamine use is based on significant metabolite changes in rat serum over time after a single intraperitoneal injection of ketamine, and global metabolomics was quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF–MS). Thirty-five rats were treated with saline (control) or ketamine at 3 doses (30, 60, and 90 mg/kg), and the serum was collected at 21 time points (0 h to 29 d). Time-dependent rather than dose-dependent features were observed. Thirty-nine potential biomarkers were identified, including ketamine and its metabolites, lipids, serotonin and other molecules, which were used for building a random forest model to estimate time intervals up to 29 days after ketamine treatment. The accuracy of the model was 85.37% in the cross-validation set and 58.33% in the validation set. This study provides further understanding of the time-dependent changes in metabolites induced by ketamine abuse.

Abstract Preoperatively predicting extensive intraductal component in invasive breast cancer through imaging is crucial for informed decision-making, guiding surgical planning to mitigate risks of incomplete resection or re-operation for positive margins in breast-conserving surgery. This study aimed to characterize intra- and peri-tumor heterogeneity using high-spatial resolution ultrafast DCE-MRI to predict the extensive intraductal component in invasive breast cancer (IBC-EIC) preoperatively. A retrospective analysis included invasive breast cancer patients who underwent preoperative high-spatial resolution ultrafast DCE-MRI, categorized based on intraductal component status (IBC-EIC vs. IBC without EIC). Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to balance clinicopathological covariates between the groups. Personalized kinetic intra-tumor heterogeneity (ITHkinetic) and peri-tumor heterogeneity (PTHkinetic) scores were quantified using clustered voxels with similar enhancement patterns. An image combined model, incorporating MRI features, ITHkinetic, and PTHkinetic scores, was developed and assessed. Of 368 patients, 26.4% (97/368) had IBC-EIC. PSM yielded well-matched pairs of 97 patients each. After PSM, ITHkinetic and PTHkinetic scores were significantly higher in the IBC-EIC group (ITHkinetic: 0.68 ± 0.23; PTHkinetic: 0.58 ± 0.19) compared to IBC without EIC (ITHkinetic: 0.32 ± 0.25; PTHkinetic: 0.42 ± 0.18; p

Abstract Polymer materials suffer mechano-oxidative deterioration or degradation in the presence of molecular oxygen and mechanical forces. In contrast, aerobic biological activities combined with mechanical stimulus promote tissue regeneration and repair in various organs. A synthetic approach in which molecular oxygen and mechanical energy synergistically initiate polymerization will afford similar robustness in polymeric materials. Herein, aerobic mechanochemical reversible-deactivation radical polymerization was developed by the design of an organic mechano-labile initiator which converts oxygen into activators in response to ball milling, enabling the reaction to proceed in the air with low-energy input, operative simplicity, and the avoidance of potentially harmful organic solvents. In addition, this approach not only complements the existing methods to access well-defined polymers but also has been successfully employed for the controlled polymerization of (meth)acrylates, styrenic monomers and solid acrylamides as well as the synthesis of polymer/perovskite hybrids without solvent at room temperature which are inaccessible by other means.

Abstract Within the intricate interplay of socio-economic, natural and anthropogenic factors, haze pollution stands as a stark emblem of environmental degradation, particularly in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region. Despite significant efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, several SAARC nations consistently rank among the world’s most polluted. Addressing this critical research gap, this study employs robust econometric methodologies to elucidate the dynamics of haze pollution across SAARC countries from 1998 to 2020. These methodologies include the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) and Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimator, Panel two-stage least squares (TSLS), Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) and Dumitrescu–Hurlin (D–H) causality test. The analysis reveals a statistically significant cointegrating relationship between PM2.5 and economic indicators, with economic development and consumption expenditure exhibiting positive associations and rainfall demonstrating a mitigating effect. Furthermore, a bidirectional causality is established between temperature and economic growth, both influencing PM2.5 concentrations. These findings emphasize the crucial role of evidence-based policy strategies in curbing air pollution. Based on these insights, recommendations focus on prioritizing green economic paradigms, intensifying forest conservation efforts, fostering the adoption of eco-friendly energy technologies in manufacturing and proactively implementing climate-sensitive policies. By embracing these recommendations, SAARC nations can formulate comprehensive and sustainable approaches to combat air pollution, paving the way for a healthier atmospheric environment for their citizens.

Abstract Background The massive structural variations and frequent introgression highly contribute to the genetic diversity of wheat, while the huge and complex genome of polyploid wheat hinders efficient genotyping of abundant varieties towards accurate identification, management, and exploitation of germplasm resources. Results We develop a novel workflow that identifies 1240 high-quality large copy number variation blocks (CNVb) in wheat at the pan-genome level, demonstrating that CNVb can serve as an ideal DNA fingerprinting marker for discriminating massive varieties, with the accuracy validated by PCR assay. We then construct a digitalized genotyping CNVb map across 1599 global wheat accessions. Key CNVb markers are linked with trait-associated introgressions, such as the 1RS·1BL translocation and 2NvS translocation, and the beneficial alleles, such as the end-use quality allele Glu-D1d (Dx5 + Dy10) and the semi-dwarf r-e-z allele. Furthermore, we demonstrate that these tagged CNVb markers promote a stable and cost-effective strategy for evaluating wheat germplasm resources with ultra-low-coverage sequencing data, competing with SNP array for applications such as evaluating new varieties, efficient management of collections in gene banks, and describing wheat germplasm resources in a digitalized manner. We also develop a user-friendly interactive platform, WheatCNVb ( http://wheat.cau.edu.cn/WheatCNVb/ ), for exploring the CNVb profiles over ever-increasing wheat accessions, and also propose a QR-code-like representation of individual digital CNVb fingerprint. This platform also allows uploading new CNVb profiles for comparison with stored varieties. Conclusions The CNVb-based approach provides a low-cost and high-throughput genotyping strategy for enabling digitalized wheat germplasm management and modern breeding with precise and practical decision-making.

Abstract Lateral momentum conservation is typically kept in a non-absorptive rotationally symmetric system through mirror symmetry via Noether’s theorem when illuminated by a homogeneous light wave. Therefore, it is still very challenging to break the mirror symmetry and generate a lateral optical force (LOF) in the rotationally symmetric system. Here, we report a general dynamic action in the SO(2) rotationally symmetric system, originating from the polarization-tuned mirror symmetry breaking (MSB) of the light scattering. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that MSB can be generally applied to the SO(2) rotationally symmetric system and tuned sinusoidally by polarization orientation, leading to a highly tunable and highly efficient LOF (9.22 pN/mW/μm−2) perpendicular to the propagation direction. The proposed MSB mechanism and LOF not only complete the sets of MSB of light-matter interaction and non-conservative force only using a plane wave but also provide extra polarization manipulation freedom.

The classification of Mortise and Tenon (MT) joints is vital, as it enables standardized terminology, facilitates comparative analysis, and enhances understanding of construction techniques across a variety of applications including the design, manufacturing, and management of wood products. Although the classification of MT joints is crucial, current research in this area lacks a systematic approach. The study adopts a morphological composition paradigm to investigate MT joints. This study introduces a 6-level classification index hierarchy for MT morphology, employing methods from biological classification and arithmetic cross-method coding. By encoding joint features and morphological composition, the study delineates 352 possible joint types and 1056 theoretical compositions across dimensions, elucidating diverse structural logics and aiding comprehension. Next, a feasibility typicality assessment identifies 198 typical and 310 atypical morphological types, presented clearly in graphical form. Validations are conducted through analysis of 2654 research cases, which are encoded according to the index hierarchy, thereby affirming the scientific validity and practical utility of the classification system.

Abstract Aging and obesity pose significant threats to public health and are major contributors to muscle atrophy. The trends in muscle fiber types under these conditions and the transcriptional differences between different muscle fiber types remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate distinct responses of fast/glycolytic fibers and slow/oxidative fibers to aging and obesity. We found that in muscles dominated by oxidative fibers, the proportion of oxidative fibers remains unchanged during aging and obesity. However, in muscles dominated by glycolytic fibers, despite the low content of oxidative fibers, a significant decrease in proportion of oxidative fibers was observed. Consistently, our study uncovered that during aging and obesity, fast/glycolytic fibers specifically increased the expression of genes associated with muscle atrophy and inflammation, including Dkk3, Ccl8, Cxcl10, Cxcl13, Fbxo32, Depp1, and Chac1, while slow/oxidative fibers exhibit elevated expression of antioxidant protein Nqo-1 and downregulation of Tfrc. Additionally, we noted substantial differences in the expression of calcium-related signaling pathways between fast/glycolytic fibers and slow/oxidative fibers in response to aging and obesity. Treatment with a calcium channel inhibitor thapsigargin significantly increased the abundance of oxidative fibers. Our study provides additional evidence to support the transcriptomic differences in muscle fiber types under pathophysiological conditions, thereby establishing a theoretical basis for modulating muscle fiber types in disease treatment.

Abstract Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) presents a global health challenge due to its low five-year survival rates, underscoring the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Our research explored the synergistic mechanisms of syrosingopine and UK-5099 in treating NSCLC. In vitro experiments showed that the combination of syrosingopine and UK-5099 significantly synergized to suppress NSCLC proliferation. Further experiments revealed that this combination induced cell cycle arrest and promoted apoptosis in NSCLC cells. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the combination of syrosingopine and UK-5099 markedly inhibited tumor growth. Mechanistic studies revealed that this drug combination promoted mitochondrial damage by inducing lactate accumulation and oxidative stress. Additionally, the combination triggered an integrated stress response (ISR) through the activation of heme-regulated inhibitor kinase (HRI). Importantly, our findings suggested that the synergistic suppression of NSCLC by syrosingopine and UK-5099 was dependent on ISR activation. In summary, our study proposed a promising therapeutic approach that involved the combination of Syrosingopine and UK-5099 to activate ISR, significantly hindering NSCLC growth and proliferation.

Abstract The virtual synchronous generator (SG) (VSG) can not only enhance the inertia of the grid, but also introduce the oscillation characteristics of SG, which is easy to interact with the power angle of SG in the grid, and even produce low‐frequency oscillation (LFO). The authors first construct a two‐machine interconnected power system model containing VSG and traditional SG. The model is linearised to construct the state space equations to obtain the Phillips–Heffron model with VSG. The LFO path of action between VSG and SG is analysed. To reduce the negative damping torque provided by VSG to SG through this path, a virtual power system stabiliser (VPSS) is proposed and the controller parameters are adjusted according to the phase compensation method. Finally, the effectiveness of VPSS is verified by modal analysis and simulation comparison.

Abstract The membrane-delimited receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is expressed in the intestine, collaborates with broad neutral amino acid transporter 1 (B0AT1). Tryptophan (Trp) is transported into intestinal epithelial cells by ACE2 and B0AT1. However, whether ACE2 and its binding protein B0AT1 are involved in Trp-mediated alleviation of intestinal injury is largely unknown. Here, we used weaned piglets and IPEC-J2 cells as models and found that ACE2/B0AT1 alleviated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced diarrhea and promoted intestinal barrier recovery via transport of Trp. The levels of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways were altered by ACE2. Dietary Trp supplementation in LPS-treated weaned piglets revealed that Trp alleviated diarrhea by promoting ACE2/B0AT1 expression, and examination of intestinal morphology revealed that the damage to the intestinal barrier was repaired. Our study demonstrated that ACE2 accompanied by B0AT1 mediated the alleviation of diarrhea by Trp through intestinal barrier repair via the mTOR pathway.

Objective: To understand the virulence genes and molecular epidemiological characteristics of human-infected strains of Streptococcus suis in Rui'an, Zhejiang Province, from 2021 to 2022, and to provide a scientific basis for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control. Methods: Three blood-borne strains of Streptococcus suis were analysed by morphological observation, identification, and drug sensitivity tests. We performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of their main seven virulence factors and housekeeping genes. This was followed by virulence analysis and multilocus sequence typing. We analysed their relationships with local pathogens from previous years. Results: Three Streptococcus suis strains were isolated from the blood samples of three patients. From these, the virulence genotypes demonstrated that the two strains were orf2+ and ef+/orf2+/sly+, respectively. The Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) typing results demonstrated that the two strains were ST25 and ST7, respectively. Conclusion: The first isolation of ST25 Streptococcus suis in Rui'an was presumed to have a close affinity with the endemic strain in North America. The other strain was an ST7 clone, consistent with the endemic strain in Sichuan, and which may have originated from Sichuan. Virulence genotype analysis demonstrated that different virulence genes of the pathogens resulted in different clinical manifestations.

ObjectiveDisulfiram, an FDA-approved medication for AUD, has shown significant potential as a repurposed drug in therapeutic areas including oncology and infectious diseases. The purpose of study is to analyze adverse events (AEs) associated with disulfiram by examining the FAERS database, with a focus on understanding its safety profile in both traditional and emerging applications.MethodsAE reports concerning disulfiram in the FAERS database from the fourth quarter of 2002 to the third quarter of 2023 were extracted. Various signal detection methods, including ROR, PRR, BCPNN, and MGPS, were used to detect and categorize adverse events.ResultsThe study collected 52,159,321 AE reports, with 508 reports primarily suspecting disulfiram, identifying 104 Preferred Terms (PTs) across 25 System Organ Classes (SOCs). Major categories of AEs included off label use, psychiatric symptom, liver transplant, and polyneuropathy, with off label use being notably the most reported issue. Strong and new potential AEs were identified, including neurological and psychiatric issues like hypomania, delirium, and vocal cord paralysis; cardiac issues such as electrocardiogram st segment depression; and off label use-related issues like Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction.ConclusionDisulfiram poses risks of various adverse reactions while having promise as a “repurposed” agent. In clinical applications, practitioners should closely monitor occurrences of hepatobiliary disorders, psychiatric disorders, and nervous system disorders.

BackgroundThe genetic association between psychiatric disorders and hemorrhoidal disease (HEM) is still not well known. The work aims to investigate their comorbidity at a genetic level.MethodsUtilizing recent large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we investigated the genetic overlap at the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), gene, and molecular level between depression and HEM, bipolar disorder (BD) and HEM, neuroticism and HEM, as well as schizophrenia (SCZ) and HEM. The cross-trait genes were validated through the utilization of transcriptome and proteome methodologies. The causal link was assessed using bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis (MR) analysis. MRlap corrects for the potential bias in estimation caused by sample overlap.ResultsWe discovered significant positive genetic associations between these four types of psychiatric disorders and HEM. Cross-phenotypic association analyses identified shared SNPs along with 17 specific loci between psychiatric disorders and HEM. MAGMA identified a total of 2304 pleiotropic genes, several of which showed significant expression in the results of transcriptome and proteome analyses. We observed that these genes are mostly associated with the regulation of transcription factors and particular DNA binding activities. Lastly, MR analysis provided evidence supporting a correlation between these conditions.ConclusionThis study revealed a genetic correlation between four psychiatric disorders and HEM, identified pleiotropic loci, found multiple candidate genes, and confirmed causal relationships. This has enhanced our comprehension of the common genetic mechanisms of psychiatric disorders and HEM.

Edaravone Dexborneol (EDB), comprised of edaravone and (+)- bornel, has been demonstrated to have synergistic effects of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which makes it to be applied for stroke as a protectant. However, the underlying mechanism of neuroprotection of EDB has not been fully elucidated. Increasing evidence has shown that neurotoxic A1 astrocytes were closely related to neuronal death after cerebral ischemia. However, whether EDB could provide neuroprotection by modulating the activation of astrocytes has not yet been elucidated. The present study aimed to explore whether EDB afforded neuroprotection by modulating A1 polarization of astrocytes and the down-stream signaling after cerebral ischemia. We first validated the neuroprotective effects of EDB in mice suffering focal cerebral ischemia via evaluating behavioral test, infarct volumes and neuronal survival. As for the down-stream signaling, our data further showed that EDB alleviated neuronal death by suppressing activation of neurotoxic A1 astrocytes via inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro. Additionally, administration of EDB reduced the number of A1 reactive astrocytes in mice of focal cerebral ischemia. The above findings demonstrated that EDB provided neuroprotective effect by inhibiting neurotoxic activation of A1 astrocytes in animal model of cerebral ischemia, which indicated that EDB-mediated phenotypic regulation of astrocytes is a potential research direction to promote neurological recovery in central nervous system (CNS) diseases.

BackgroundTo better understand the preventive or therapeutic clinical interventions that may be supported by the association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and postural deformities including hallux valgus, flat foot, and scoliosis, this study was conducted using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. It aimed to investigate whether RA is causally associated with postural deformities in European populations.MethodsSummary-level data on RA and postural deformities were obtained from the IEU OpenGWAS project and Finngen database, respectively. LDSC regression analysis was conducted to assess the genetic correlation between these diseases. The inverse variance weighting (IVW) method was employed as the primary approach for two-sample MR analyses to evaluate causality. Supplementary methods included MR-Egger, maximum likelihood, weighted median, and cML-MA. To test for potential horizontal pleiotropy, we performed the MR-Egger intercept test, cML-MA, and secondary analyses after excluding confounders. Additionally, mediation analyses were conducted using two-step MR.ResultsThe IVW method revealed RA to be causally associated with hallux valgus (OR 1.132, 95% CI 1.087-1.178, P < 0.001) and flat foot (OR 1.197, 95% CI 1.110-1.291, P < 0.001). Among postural deformities, hallux valgus was causally associated with flat foot (OR 1.823, 95% CI 1.569-2.119, P < 0.001) and scoliosis (OR 1.150, 95% CI 1.027-1.287, P < 0.05). No significant horizontal pleiotropy was detected. Moreover, mediation analyses indicated that hallux valgus mediates the effect of RA on flat foot (mediation effect 0.024, 95% CI 0.005-0.044, P < 0.05), with a mediation proportion of 41.31%.ConclusionThese findings indicate a potential causal association between genetically predicted RA and both hallux valgus and flat foot. Furthermore, hallux valgus serves as a mediator in the pathway from RA to flat foot. This underscores the importance of early screening and preventive treatment of foot deformities in RA patients. Further research is necessary to determine the applicability of these findings in non-European populations.

Short-term residential load forecasting (STRLF) holds great significance for the stable and economic operation of distributed power systems. Different households in the same region may exhibit similar consumption patterns owing to the analogous environmental parameters. Incorporating the spatiotemporal correlations can enhance the load forecasting performance of individual households. To this end, a spatiotemporal graph attention (STGA)-enabled Transformer is proposed for multivariate, multi-step residential load forecasting in this paper. Specifically, the multiple residential loads are cast to a graph and a Transformer with a graph sequence-to-sequence (Seq2Seq) structure is employed to model the multi-step load forecasting problem. Gated fusion-based STGA blocks are embedded in the encoder and decoder of the Transformer to extract dynamic spatial correlations and non-linear temporal patterns among multiple residential loads. A transform attention block is further designed to transfer historical graph observations into future graph predictions and alleviate the error propagation between the encoder and decoder. The embedding of multiple attention modules in the Seq2Seq framework allows us to capture the spatiotemporal correlations between residents and achieve confident inference of load values several steps ahead. Numerical simulations on residential data from three different regions demonstrate that the developed Transformer method improves multi-step load forecasting by 14.7% at least, compared to the state-of-the-art benchmarks.

ABSTRACT: The light provide during incubation can influence hatching characteristics (hatching time, hatchability, etc.) and embryo development in chickens, geese, and turkeys. However, relevant studies on this factor in pigeons are lacking. This study investigated the effects of in ovo photostimulation during embryogenesis on hatching performance, squab quality, and embryo development in pigeons. 400 eggs from paired- bred pigeons were randomly distributed into 4 incubation lighting treatments, with 2 replicates per treatment. The treatments included dark as a control (NL), 12-h light, and 12-h dark photoperiods of white light (WL), red light (RL), and green light (GL) (100 lx at egg level) during the first 15 d of incubation. A total of 1,600 eggs in 4 batches from White King pigeons were used. The results showed that hatching time of the WL group was significantly shorter than that of the dark light group (P < 0.05). The hatchability of fertile eggs in the WL group was significantly higher (P < 0.05), whereas the hatchability of fertile eggs in the RL group was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of in the control group. Light stimulation had no effect on time to 90% hatching or average hatching time (P > 0.05). In addition, the hatch window was not extended by light stimulation (P > 0.05). The group incubated under GL showed an increase in embryo weight and relative leg muscle on embryonic d 14 and the hatching day compared to the dark incubation (P < 0.05). Green light stimulated the heart and liver development during the early and middle stages of embryogenesis. It was concluded that white light stimulation during embryogenesis accelerated the hatching process, whereas monochromatic green light had a positive effect on embryo development. Our findings provide important guidance for developing light protocols for pigeon egg incubation.

The global prosperity of reservoirs has resulted in widespread habitat loss and degradation, but little attention has been given to the survival crisis of terrestrial biota. Herein, we investigated the dynamics of the structure and functions of terrestrial mammalian habitats before and after the reservoir development. Furthermore, we compiled the existing reservoirs in the Indochina Peninsula, and used landscape metrics to reveal structural fragmentation. Finally, we analyzed the habitat suitability for terrestrial mammals and assessed the functional fragmentation of habitat according to MAXENT and connectivity models. Our main findings indicated that the habitat landscape became more complicated and heterogeneous after reservoir infrastructure. Specifically, the number of patches (NP), largest patch index (LSI), landscape shape index (LPI), and contagion index (CONTAG) increased by 304, 0.14, −0.03 %, and 5.55 %, respectively. In addition, the increment of the minimum cumulative resistance which contained thirteen habitat corridors was about 67,529, and two habitat corridors were blocked by reservoirs, suggesting that reservoirs acted as barriers and severely limited connectivity among habitat patches. And the negative effects of reservoir developments on terrestrial mammal habitat can be reduced via the priority removal of twenty-nine obstacle points (about 6310 km2). Taken together, our findings implied the continuously increased reservoirs lead to habitat destruction directly, and might induce loss of biodiversity indirectly. Consequently, we appeal to policy-makers and energy strategists: Seriously consider the nexus of reservoir assignment with biodiversity conservation in the key biodiversity hotspots, particularly in the Indochina Peninsula.

Objective To investigate the effects of regional cerebral oxygen saturation(rSO2) monitoring and target-oriented management on early cognitive function,inflammatory factors and oxidative stress in elderly patients with hypertension and asthenia after laparoscopic radical resection of gastrointestinal tumors. Methods A total of 80 elderly patients with hypertension and asthenia who planned to undergo laparoscopic radical resection of gastrointestinal tumors under elective general anesthesia and were treated in the People′s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from July 2022 to June 2023 were selected as the study objects,they were divided into 2 groups by random number table method,each group had 40 cases.The control group did not use rSO2 monitoring,while the study group received rSO2 monitoring.Before and after surgery,the scores of the mini-mental state examination(MMSE) and the montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA) were recorded to evaluate the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD).Serum levels of S100β,neuron specific enolase(NSE),interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),C-reactive protein(CRP),superoxide dismutase(SOD) and malondialdehyde(MDA) were measured before and after surgery.The dosage of propofol,remifentanil,sufentanil and vasoactive drugs were recorded during the operation.Numerical rating scale(NRS) was used to evaluate the pain degree of the patients at 2 h,4 h,8 h and 12 h after surgery. Results After one day of surgery,the study group exhibited significantly lower MMSE and MoCA scores compared to their preoperative scores,as well as lower scores than the control group during the same period(P0.05).The utilization rate of vasoactive drugs was also significantly lower in the study group compared to controls(P0.05). Conclusion Monitoring changes in rSO2 and implementing goal-directed management during laparoscopic radical resection of gastrointestinal tumors has a protective effect on early postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients with hypertension and frailty,effectively reducing the secretion of inflammatory factors,oxidative stress response,and risk of POCD.

Abstract Background Kiwifruit (Actinidiaceae family) is an economically important fruit tree in China and New Zealand. It is a typical dioecious plant that has undergone frequent natural hybridization, along with chromosomal ploidy diversity within the genus Actinidia, resulting in higher genetic differences and horticultural diversity between interspecific and intraspecific traits. This diversity provides a rich genetic base for breeding. China is not only the original center of speciation for the Actinidia genus but also its distribution center, housing the most domesticated species: A. chinensis var. chinensis, A. chinensis var. deliciosa, A. arguta, and A. polygama. However, there have been relatively few studies on the application of DNA markers and the genetic basis of kiwifruit plants. By combining information from chloroplast-specific SNPs and nuclear SCoT (nSCoT) markers, we can uncover complementary aspects of genetic variation, population structure, and evolutionary relationships. In this study, one chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) marker pair was selected out of nine cpDNA candidate pairs. Twenty nSCoT markers were selected and used to assess the population structure and chloroplast-specific DNA haplotype diversity in 55 kiwifruit plants (Actinidia), including 20 samples of A. chinensis var. chinensis, 22 samples of A. chinensis var. deliciosa, 11 samples of A. arguta, and two samples of A. polygama, based on morphological observations collected from China. Results The average genetic distance among the 55 samples was 0.26 with chloroplast-specific SNP markers and 0.57 with nSCoT markers. The Mantel test revealed a very small correlation (r = 0.21). The 55 samples were categorized into different sub-populations using Bayesian analysis, the Unweighted Pair Group Method with the Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA), and the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method, respectively. Based on the analysis of 205 variable sites, a total of 15 chloroplast-specific DNA haplotypes were observed, contributing to a higher level of polymorphism with an Hd of 0.78. Most of the chloroplast-specific DNA haplotype diversity was distributed among populations, but significant diversity was also observed within populations. H1 was shared by 24 samples, including 12 of A. chinensis var. chinensis and 12 of A. chinensis var. deliciosa, indicating that H1 is an ancient and dominant haplotype among the 55 chloroplast-specific sequences. H2 may not have evolved further.The remaining haplotypes were rare and unique, with some appearing to be exclusive to a particular variety and often detected in single individuals. For example, the H15 haplotype was found exclusively in A. polygama. Conclusion The population genetic variation explained by chloroplast-specific SNP markers has greater power than that explained by nSCoTs, with chloroplast-specific DNA haplotypes being the most efficient. Gene flow appears to be more evident between A. chinensis var. chinensis and A. chinensis var. deliciosa, as they share chloroplast-specific DNA haplotypes, In contrast, A.arguta and A. polygama possess their own characteristic haplotypes, derived from the haplotype of A. chinensis var. chinensis. Compared with A. chinensis, the A.arguta and A. polygama showed better grouping. It also seems crucial to screen out, for each type of molecular marker, especially haplotypes, the core markers of the Actinidia genus.

Abstract Sarcopenia greatly reduces the quality of life of the elderly, and iron metabolism plays an important role in muscle loss. This study aimed to investigate the association between iron status and sarcopenia. A total of 286 adult patients hospitalized between 2019 and 2021 were included in this study, of which 117 were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin, and transferrin saturation levels were compared between groups with and without sarcopenia and were included in the logistic analyses, with significant variables further included in the logistic regression model for the prediction of sarcopenia. Serum iron, TIBC, and transferrin levels decreased significantly in the sarcopenia group (p 65 years (OR 5.40, 95% CI 2.25–12.95), BMI

Abstract This article proposes a line scanning chromatic confocal sensor to solve the problem of limited chromatic confocal measurement due to the small measurement range and low measurement efficiency in the industrial inspection process. To obtain an extensive dispersion range, the advantages of a simple single-axis structure are combined with the advantages of a large luminous flux of a biaxial structure. Considering large-scale measurement, our sensor uses off-axis rays to limit the illumination path and imaging path to the same optical path structure. At the same time, the field of view is expanded, and a symmetrical structure is adopted to provide a compact optical path and improve space utilization. The simulation and physical system test results shows that the sensor scanning line length is 12.5 mm, and the axial measurement range in the 450 nm to 750 nm band is better than 20 mm. The axial resolution of the detector is ±1 µm combined with the subpixel centroid extraction data processing method, and the maximum allowable tilt angle for specular reflection samples is ±7°. The thicknesses of transparent standard flat glass and the wet collagen membrane are measured. The maximum average error is 1.3 µm, and the relative error is within 0.7%. The constructed sensor is of great significance for rapidly measuring the three-dimensional profile, flatness, and thickness in the fields of transparent biological samples, optics, micromechanics, and semiconductors.

Abstract Background Epidemiological research and systematic meta-analyses indicate a higher risk of B-cell lymphomas in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) compared to non-infected individuals. However, the genetic links between HCV and these lymphomas remain under-researched. Methods Mendelian randomization analysis was employed to explore the association between chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and B-cell lymphomas as well as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Approximate Bayes Factor (ABF) localization analysis was conducted to find shared genetic variants that might connect CHC with B-cell lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Furthermore, The Variant Effect Predictor (VEP) was utilized to annotate the functional effects of the identified genetic variants. Results Mendelian randomization revealed a significant association between CHC and increased diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) risk (OR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.01–1.78; P = 0.0397). Subsequent colocalization analysis pinpointed two noteworthy variants, rs17208853 (chr6:32408583) and rs482759 (chr6:32227240) between these two traits. The annotation of these variants through the VEP revealed their respective associations with the butyrophilin-like protein 2 (BTNL2) and notch receptor 4 (NOTCH4) genes, along with the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) TSBP1-AS1. Conclusion This research provides a refined genetic understanding of the CHC-DLBCL connection, opening avenues for targeted therapeutic research and intervention.

Abstract The objective of this research is to enhance the precision and efficiency of design concept assessments during the initial stages of new product creation. Design concept evaluation, which occurs at the end of the conceptual design phase, is a critical step in product development. The outcome of this evaluation significantly impacts the product's eventual success, as flawed design concepts are difficult to remedy in later stages. However, the evaluation of new product concepts is a procedure that encompasses elements of subjectivity and ambiguity. In order to deal with the problem, a novel decision-making method for choosing more logical new product concepts is introduced. Basically, the evaluation process is outlined in three main phases: the construction of evaluation index system for design concept alternatives, the calculation of weights for evaluation criteria and decision-makers, the selection of the best design concept alternatives. These stages are composed of a hybrid method based on kano model, multiplicative analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method, the entropy of IVPFS and improved grey relational projection (GRP) under interval-valued picture fuzzy set (IVPFS). The novel approach integrates the strength of interval-valued picture fuzzy number in handling vagueness, the advantage of multiplicative AHP and the merit of improved GRP method in modelling multi-criteria decision-making. In final, the effectiveness of the proposed model is validated through comparisons with other models. The potential applications of this study include but are not limited to product development, industrial design, and innovation management, providing decision-makers with a more accurate and comprehensive design concept evaluation tool.

Abstract Biochemical sensors have important applications in biology, chemistry, and medicine. Nevertheless, many biochemical sensors are hampered by intricate techniques, cumbersome procedures, and the need for labeling. In the past two decades, it has been discovered that liquid crystals can be used to achieve the optical amplification of biological interactions. By modifying recognition molecules, a variety of label-free biochemical sensors can be created. Consequently, biochemical sensors based on the amplification of liquid crystals have become one of the most promising sensors. This paper describes in detail the optical sensing principle of liquid crystals, sensing devices, and optical detection technologies. Meanwhile, the latest research findings are elucidated. Finally, the challenges and future research directions are discussed.

Abstract Bifurcation of exceptional points (EPs), particularly higher-order EPs, can offer applications in metrology by amplifying sensitivity, but this method suffers from a tradeoff between sensitivity and robustness. To break this constraint, we experimentally introduce nonlinearity into the EP degeneracy lifting at the coupled electric resonators and observe a sixth-order nonlinear bifurcation which amplifies the sensitivity elevenfold compared to the conventional EP-based approach operating in the linear regime, while maintaining the degrees of freedom, thereby without cost in robustness. Moreover, we discover a chaotic dynamics near the EP due to the nonlinear contribution, which constitutes a distinct difference from the EP degeneracy lifting in the linear regime with random noise. Our study expands the scope of EP degeneracy lifting into nonlinearity, providing a paradigm to exploit the benefit of EPs.

Flower constancy describes the phenomenon that pollinators tend to successively visit flowers of a single species during foraging, reducing reproductive interference in natural communities. The extent of flower constancy is largely determined by the floral traits of co-flowering species. Both higher inter-specific and lower intraspecific differences of floral traits should contribute to a higher level of flower constancy. However, previous studies mainly focused on interspecific difference, and the intraspecific variation (consistency) of floral traits received much less attention. We hypothesise that selection may favour lower intraspecific floral trait variation in communities composed of multiple co-flowering congeners. We investigated the floral colour variation of three focal Pedicularis species that share pollinators in 19 communities composed of either single or multiple Pedicularis species. Colour was quantified using image-based colour analysis as perceived by pollinators. We found that most of the intrapopulation floral colour variation was below the colour discrimination threshold of bumblebees, implying strongly constrained by the visual selection by pollinators. Contrary to the hypothesis, there is no significant difference in intraspecific floral colour variation between different community contexts. It may be due to the relatively large interspecific floral colour differences of most co-flowering species. The influence of community context on intraspecific variation may be reflected in floral traits other than colours.

Abstract Photonic quantum computation plays an important role and offers unique advantages. Two decades after the milestone work of Knill-Laflamme-Milburn, various architectures of photonic processors have been proposed, and quantum advantage over classical computers has also been demonstrated. It is now the opportune time to apply this technology to real-world applications. However, at current technology level, this aim is restricted by either programmability in bulk optics or loss in integrated optics for the existing architectures of processors, for which the resource cost is also a problem. Here we present a von-Neumann-like architecture based on temporal-mode encoding and looped structure on table, which is capable of multimode-universal programmability, resource-efficiency, phase-stability and software-scalability. In order to illustrate these merits, we execute two different programs with varying resource requirements on the same processor, to investigate quantum signature of chaos from two aspects: the signature behaviors exhibited in phase space (13 modes), and the Fermi golden rule which has not been experimentally studied in quantitative way before (26 modes). The maximal program contains an optical interferometer network with 1694 freely-adjustable phases. Considering current state-of-the-art, our architecture stands as the most promising candidate for real-world applications.

Abstract Background At present, clinical nutritional care for patients with pancreatic cancer focuses more on the observation of the effect of enteral parenteral nutrition, and there is a lack of personalised care plans for weight-loss control. We used the Delphi method to construct a set of personalised nursing programmes to effectively control the rate of postoperative weight loss in patients with pancreatic cancer. Methods This study was a cross-sectional investigation. Through literature analysis, literature review and data review, a personalised nursing plan for the postoperative weight-loss control in patients with pancreatic cancer was preliminarily developed. From October to December 2022, the Delphi method was adopted to conduct two questionnaires for 32 experts working in fields related to pancreatic diseases in Grade-A tertiary hospitals from four different departments. After statistical processing, the personalised nursing plan was determined according to the perceived level of importance, coefficient of variation, full score rate and recognition rate of the indicators. Results The recovery rates of the two rounds of consultation were 93.75% and 100%, respectively, and the overall authority coefficient of the experts was 0.918, which represented ‘authoritative’. In terms of importance, the coefficient of variation was 0–0.137; in terms of feasibility, the coefficient of variation ranged from 0.09 to 0.194. Finally, a scheme consisting of 36 entries in 8 dimensions was built. This programme is comprehensive in content, meets the nutritional diagnosis and treatment needs of patients in the stage of postoperative rehabilitation, provides relatively comprehensive nutritional assessment and support and has a robust system and feasibility. Conclusions The individualised nursing plan for patients with pancreatic cancer with postoperative weight-loss control based on the Delphi method is highly scientific and reliable and has positive significance.

Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated serum uric acid levels. Soluble urate can activate immune responses, and the excessive accumulation of urate in the kidneys results in hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN). However, the lack of an established HN model is a major obstacle to advancing research into the pathogenesis of HN and the development of novel drugs. In this study, we generated and evaluated an optimized mouse model of HN by the combined administration of potassium oxonate and hypoxanthine at various dosages. Our results demonstrated that intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg potassium oxonate with gavage of 500 mg/kg hypoxanthine caused renal injury in mice, as evidenced by the elevation in serum uric acid, serum creatinine, and 24 h albuminuria levels, as well as pathological changes in renal histology. Intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg potassium oxonate with gavage of 500 mg/kg hypoxanthine markedly increased the production of uric acid, inhibited uricase activity, and disrupted uric acid transporters. This led to supersaturated urate deposition in the kidneys, triggering renal inflammation and fibrosis, thereby promoting HN progression. In conclusion, we successfully established a stable and efficient mouse model that can mimic the pathogenesis of HN. This novel model may facilitate the discovery of therapeutic targets and the development of new drugs for the treatment of HN.

ABSTRACTObjective Multiple myeloma (MM) varies in clinical behavior, response to treatment and prognosis due to the heterogeneity of the disease. Data on the association between the immunoparesis status during treatment and prognosis in nontransplant MM patients are limited.Methods In a retrospective analysis of 142 patients with MM, we examined the relationship between immunoparesis status and prognosis during treatment. All patients received novel agent-based therapy and did not undergo autologous stem cell transplantation. One, two, or three uninvolved immunoglobulins (Igs) below the lowest thresholds of normalcy were used to identify immunoparesis.Results Patients with a greater degree of immunoparesis during treatment had shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). A total of 46.5% of the patients had severe and continuous immunoparesis (at least two uninvolved Igs suppressed continuously during treatment), representing a worse prognosis than those with complete or partial normalization of Igs during treatment. Among patients who achieved at least complete remission, PFS was poor in patients with severe and continuous immunoparesis. Furthermore, severe and continuous immunoparesis during treatment was a poor prognostic factor for PFS and OS according to multivariate analyses.Conclusion The degree of immunoparesis during treatment is a follow-up indicator for survival in nontransplant myeloma patients, and severe and continuous immunoparesis in nontransplant myeloma patients might be a sign of poor prognosis.

ObjectiveUsing the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database to analyze the safety profile of Dexmedetomidine and provide guidance for clinical application.MethodsData from the FAERS database from the first quarter of 2004 to the third quarter of 2023 were collected. Reporting odds ratio (ROR), the proportional reporting ratio (PRR), and the Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) were employed to detect and assess adverse events associated with Dexmedetomidine.ResultsA total of 1910 reports of Dexmedetomidine as the primary suspect drug were obtained. After screening, 892 preferred terms were obtained, including 52 new preferred terms not mentioned in the drug insert. The common adverse events of Dexmedetomidine include bradycardia, cardiac arrest, hypotension, diabetes insipidus, arteriospasm coronary and agitation. Notably, cardiac disorders exhibited the highest number of reports and the highest signal intensity in the system organ class. Among the new preferred terms, those with high signal intensity include transcranial electrical motor evoked potential monitoring abnormal, acute motor axonal neuropathy, trigemino-cardiac reflex, glossoptosis, floppy iris syndrome, phaeochromocytoma crisis, postresuscitation encephalopathy and diabetes insipidus.ConclusionThis study mined and evaluated adverse events associated with Dexmedetomidine and also identified new adverse events. This could help alert clinicians to new adverse events not mentioned in the drug inserts, reducing the risk of drug.

Background: Chordoma is a rare congenital low-grade malignant tumor characterized by infiltrative growth. It often tends to compress important intracranial nerves and blood vessels, making its surgical treatment extremely difficult. Besides, the efficacy of radiotherapy and chemotherapy is limited. The photosensitizer hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) can emit red fluorescence under 405 nm excitation and produce reactive oxygen species for tumor therapy under 630 nm excitation. Herein, we investigated the effects of the photosensitizer hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) on different cell lines of chordoma and xenograft tumors under 405 nm and 630 nm excitation. Methods: The photosensitizer hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) and Two different chordoma cell lines (U-CH1, JHC7) were used for the test. The in vitro experiments were as follows: (1) the fluorescence intensity emitted by chordoma cells excited by different 405 nm light intensities was observed under a confocal microscope; (2) the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to detect the effects of different photosensitizer concentrations and 630 nm light energy densities on the activity of chordoma cells. In the in vivo experiments, (3) Fluorescence visualization of chordoma xenograft tumors injected with photosensitizer via tail vein under 405 nm excitation; (4) Impact of 630 nm excitation of photosensitizer on the growth of chordoma xenograft tumors. Results: (1) The photosensitizers in chordoma cells and chordoma xenografts of nude mice were excited by 405 nm to emit red fluorescence; (2) 630 nm excitation photosensitizer reduces chordoma cell activity and inhibits chordoma xenograft tumor growth in chordoma nude mice. Conclusion: Photodynamic techniques mediated by the photosensitizer hematoporphyrin derivatives can be used for the diagnosis and treatment of chordoma.

The dispersion of reinforced particles is crucial in improving the mechanical properties of ceramic particles reinforced Al matrix composites. In this work, a novel interfacial projection strategy was proposed to improve the dispersion of TiB2 particles in Al-Si composites through high-throughput first-principles calculations with the experimental verification. Firstly, the Al(111)/TiB2(0001) interface model was constructed. Then, the pre-substitution of Si at 2 at. % concentration was employed to simulate the solutionized Al matrix. Secondly, alloying behaviors of 55 elements (10 substitution sites per element) in the Si-Al(111)/TiB2(0001) interface were studied by high-throughput first-principles calculations in terms of the relative interface formation energy and the relative work of adhesion. With these values, a theoretical alloying map for evaluating the dispersion ability of these alloying elements was plotted. Accordingly, the copper mold experiments were conducted to validate the theoretical alloying map. Based on the electron analysis, the enhanced interface bonds by alloying primarily attributed to electron accumulations around Si atom, indicating that the pre-substitution Si atom was vital for a reliable simulation result. Generally, this interfacial projection strategy provides a precise and potent approach in designing high-performance Al matrix composites, and should be applicable to other reinforced particles.