Search

Abstract The growth of artificial intelligence leads to a computational burden in solving non-deterministic polynomial-time (NP)-hard problems. The Ising computer, which aims to solve NP-hard problems faces challenges such as high power consumption and limited scalability. Here, we experimentally present an Ising annealing computer based on 80 superparamagnetic tunnel junctions (SMTJs) with all-to-all connections, which solves a 70-city traveling salesman problem (TSP, 4761-node Ising problem). By taking advantage of the intrinsic randomness of SMTJs, implementing global annealing scheme, and using efficient algorithm, our SMTJ-based Ising annealer outperforms other Ising schemes in terms of power consumption and energy efficiency. Additionally, our approach provides a promising way to solve complex problems with limited hardware resources. Moreover, we propose a cross-bar array architecture for scalable integration using conventional magnetic random-access memories. Our results demonstrate that the SMTJ-based Ising computer with high energy efficiency, speed, and scalability is a strong candidate for future unconventional computing schemes.

In Bandpass Sampling Fourier Transform Spectroscopy, a comprehensive method for evaluating signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) has not yet been established. This paper employs an energy conservation approach to analyze the relationship of SNR between interferogram and spectra in Bandpass Sampling Time-Modulated Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (BPS-FTS). It systematically presents models for the average SNR of the system interferogram and the average SNR of reconstructed spectra under different parameters. These models are compared with SNR models in traditional Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTS) and are mutually validated through theoretical modeling and simulation analysis. It provides a theoretical basis and simulation verification for the design and implementation of the system.

Curcumin, a naturally occurring poorly water-soluble polyphenol with a broad spectrum, is a typical BCS IV drug. The objective of this study was to develop curcumin nanocrystals liposomes with the aim of improving bioavailability. In this study, we prepared cationic curcumin nanocrystals with a particle size of only 29.42 nm; such a phenomenal range of particle sizes is very rare. Moreover, we summarized and evaluated the parameters of the nanocrystal preparation process, including methods, formulations, etc., and the rules we concluded can be generalized to other nanocrystal preparation processes. To counteract the instability of the nanocrystals in the digestive tract, cationic curcumin nanocrystals were loaded into negatively charged liposomes through gravitational force between different charges. Unexpectedly, chitosan oligosaccharide was found to promote the self-assembly process of curcumin nanocrystal liposomes. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that chitosan-modified curcumin nanocrystal liposomes exhibited enhanced resistance to enzyme barriers, mucus barriers, and cellular barriers, resulting in a 5.4-fold increase in bioavailability compared to crude powder formulations. It can be concluded that cationic nanocrystals liposomes represent an appropriate novel strategy for improving the dissolution rate and bioavailability of poorly soluble natural products such as curcumin.

For traditional Fourier transform (FTS), its integral sampling usually meets the Spectral Modulation Transfer Function (SMTF) criterion. However, for bandpass-sampling Fourier transform spectroscopy (BPS-FTS), based on our analysis, the integral sampling condition derived from the Spectral Modulation Transfer Function (SMTF) is excessively stringent. In other words, the interval of the integral sampling time that fulfills the tolerance requirements for the reconstructed spectrum is very narrow. There are numerous integration sampling time intervals outside this range that still meet the tolerance requirements for the reconstructed spectrum. In this paper, through theoretical modeling, we propose a method based on average |SMTF| as the selection criterion for the integration sampling time. Through simulation analysis, it is evident that the intervals and range of the integral sampling time obtained via this method are more accurate, ensuring the tolerance requirements of the reconstructed spectrum. Under these intervals, when conducting integral sampling on the interferogram, the spectral deviation of the reconstructed spectrum is minimal, and the Spectral Correlation Mapper (SCM) is nearly equal to one. This indicates that compared with the SMTF criterion in traditional FTS, this method is more suitable for the characteristics of BPS-FTS. The analysis in this paper can provide theoretical and simulation support for the implementation of BPS-FTS.

In August 2018, tropical cyclone (TC) Yagi rapidly intensified as it passed over an oceanic mesoscale anticyclonic eddy (eddy) in the East China Sea, increasing in TC intensity from a tropical storm to a severe tropical storm. The maximum surface wind speed increase (minimum sea level pressure decrease) of Yagi over sea surface temperature (SST) warm anomalies caused by the eddy accounted for 66.7% (36.4%) of the whole case. Regional atmospheric model experiments are conducted to aid the interpretations of the case of Yagi intensifying over the eddy. Model results indicate that the SST warm anomalies caused by the eddy increase and concentrate the heat flux transported from the ocean to the atmosphere, and the upper air warms up, which is conducive to the development of convection. As a result, the contribution of the eddy to TC enhancement is over 20% in the period over the eddy and the precipitation is more concentrated at the TC center. The model further showed that the eddy affects the TC, resulting in more favorable dynamic and thermal conditions around the TC after landfall for the formations of TC tornadoes.

The initial processing of Citrus Reticulata 'Chachi' involves peeling as a crucial step. Currently, there is some semi-automatic peeling equipment available. However, due to the requirement of adjusting the orientation of Citrus Reticulata 'Chachi' to ensure the stem (or navel) is facing upwards before peeling and because the peeling process must retain the stem as a marker for fresh fruit picking, the loading of Citrus Reticulata 'Chachi' for peeling still solely relies on manual operation, resulting in low efficiency and poor standardization. With the rapid growth of the pericarp of the Citrus Reticulata 'Chachi' industry, semi-automatic processing equipment is no longer able to meet production demands. The loading issue before peeling Citrus Reticulata 'Chachi' is a complex hand–eye coordination problem. In response to this issue, this paper proposes a novel Citrus Reticulata 'Chachi' orientation adjustment mechanism (COAM). This mechanism utilizes frictional force to adjust the orientation of Citrus Reticulata 'Chachi'. First, the conceptual design and kinematic modelling analysis of the mechanism were conducted. Next, the omnidirectional friction-driven wheels were optimized in design. Subsequently, a prototype was manufactured and assembled to conduct validation tests on its open-loop motion performance. Finally, a visual feedback-guided algorithm was introduced to complement the kinematic model, enabling the automatic and rapid adjustment of Citrus Reticulata 'Chachi' orientation. The experimental results indicate that the COAM designed in this study can effectively and rapidly adjust the orientation of Citrus Reticulata 'Chachi' fruits of different sizes and shapes. It demonstrates strong adaptability, and under visual feedback guidance, the orientation adjustment error is less than 10% of the fruit's diameter. This meets the requirements for automated production in the initial processing of Citrus Reticulata 'Chachi'. The research presented in this paper also provides new insights for the orientation adjustment and loading of similar spherical fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract [Objective] WRKY is one of the plant specific transcription factor families, involved in various plant life activities. However, currently there are few reports related to the WRKY70 gene in strawberry. Analyzing the role of WRKY70 homologous genes in strawberry in response to stress will help accelerate the application of molecular breeding technology and cultivate new strawberry germplasm resources. [Methods] The FaWRKY70 gene was cloned from ‘Benihoppe’ strawberry fruits using homologous cloning method. Its conserved domain, physicochemical properties, protein structure, and evolutionary relationship were analyzed using bioinformatics. Expression pattern analysis was performed using qRT-PCR. [Results] The FaWRKY70 gene had a length of 1 020 bp and encodes 339 amino acids. Homologous gene alignment revealed that FaWRKY70 had a high degree of amino acid sequence similarity with species in the same family such as apple and peony. The homologous genes were mostly related to plant responses to biotic and abiotic stress, suggesting that FaWRKY70 may be involved in resistance to stress. FaWRKY70 was expressed in different organs of strawberry, with significant differences. The expression level was highest in flowers and lowest in fruits. Under salicylic acid treatment, the FaWRKY70 gene was quickly responded, reaching its highest expression level after 3 hours, and gradually decreased thereafter. Under the treatment with methyl jasmonate, the FaWRKY70 gene showed a slight degree of induction and an overall downward trend. [Conclusion] FaWRKY70 is involved in growth and hormone signal transduction through different response modes in strawberry.

Active funds vs passive funds represent one of the most prominent investment decisions that ought to be undertaken by investors over the decades. Our paper seeks to offer an insight into the average performance of equity mutual funds during the period when there were roughly 70 ‘all-time-highs’ recorded by S&P 500 amid the COVID-19 health crisis. Additionally, our paper aims to explore the robustness and persistence of the explanatory powers of Morningstar sustainability globes, ratings from agencies and growth tilt during the health crisis. Our results indicated that the benchmark indexes seemed to dominate mutual funds in most cases during our sampling period. The ratings from Morningstar and/or Lipper together with growth investing appeared to be ideal elements to contemplate when making investment decisions during the COVID-19 health crisis.

Issue Addressed Methods Results Conclusions So What? Food environments surrounding schools have a strong influence on the adolescent's food choices. Moreover, the prevalence of diet‐related chronic diseases is higher in regional than metropolitan areas in Australia. Understanding school food environments in these different settings is crucial for informing future strategies to improve adolescent health.Google Street View was used to identify food outlets within 1.6 km around all secondary schools in Wagga Wagga and Blacktown in New South Wales which were selected as regional and metropolitan case study areas. Based on food outlet type, healthfulness categories were assigned, and Chi‐squared tests were performed. The Health Advisory Panel for Youth at the University of Sydney (HAPYUS) were engaged to obtain their perspectives on findings.Unhealthful food outlets were consistently most prevalent around schools in Wagga Wagga and Blacktown over 17 years. In 2023, these were predominantly restaurants (19.4% vs. 21.1%), cafés (16.8% vs. 11.1%), fast‐food franchise outlets (15.1% vs. 17.4%) and independent takeaway stores (14.1% vs. 9.6%). No significant difference in healthfulness between regional and metropolitan areas was found. Youth advisors recognised price and social reasons as major contributors to food choices.Google Street View was used as a novel resource to examine school food environments in regional and metropolitan areas which have remained consistently unhealthful for nearly two decades.Unhealthful school food environments may encourage poor diets and exacerbate rates of adolescent overweight and obesity. Critical government action is needed to improve school food environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective To compare the treatment outcomes among percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) with AngioJet, Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), and a combination of both. Methods One hundred forty nine patients with acute or sub-acute iliac-femoral vein thrombosis accepting CDT and/or PMT were divided into three groups respectively: PMT group, CDT group, PMT + CDT group (PMT followed by CDT). The severity of thrombosis was evaluated by venographic scoring system. Technical success was defined as restored patent deep venous blood flow after CDT and/or PMT. Clinical follow-up were assessed by ultrasound or venography imaging. The primary endpoints were recurrence of DVT, and severity level of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) during the follow-up. Results Technical success and immediate clinical improvements were achieved on all patients. The proportion of sub-acute DVT and the venographic scoring in PMT + CDT group were significantly higher than that in CDT group and PMT group (proportion of sub-acute DVT: p = 0.032 and p = 0.005, respectively; venographic scoring: p

Background Metabolomics has the characteristics of terminal effects and reflects the physiological state of biological diseases more directly. Several current biomarkers of multiple omics were revealed to be associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs) occurrence. However, there is a lack of reliable metabolic biomarkers to predict irAEs. This study aims to explore the potential metabolic biomarkers to predict risk of irAEs and to investigate the association of plasma metabolites level with survival in patients with lung cancer receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor treatment.Methods The study collected 170 plasmas of 85 patients with lung cancer who received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treatment. 58 plasma samples of 29 patients with irAEs were collected before ICIs treatment and at the onset of irAEs. 112 plasma samples of 56 patients who did not develop irAEs were collected before ICIs treatment and plasma matched by treatment cycles to onset of irAEs patients. Untargeted metabolomics analysis was used to identify the differential metabolites before initiating ICIs treatment and during the process that development of irAEs. Kaplan-Meier curves analysis was used to detect the associations of plasma metabolites level with survival of patients with lung cancer.Results A total of 24 differential metabolites were identified to predict the occurrence of irAEs. Baseline acylcarnitines and steroids levels are significantly higher in patients with irAEs, and the model of eight acylcarnitine and six steroid metabolites baseline level predicts irAEs occurrence with area under the curve of 0.91. Patients with lower concentration of baseline decenoylcarnitine(AcCa(10:1) 2, decenoylcarnitine(AcCa(10:1) 3 and hexanoylcarnitine(AcCa(6:0) in plasma would have better overall survival (OS). Moreover, 52 differential metabolites were identified related to irAEs during ICIs treatment, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, corticoserone, cortisol, thyroxine and sphinganine 1-phaosphate were significantly decreased in irAEs group while oxoglutaric acid and taurocholic acid were significantly increased in irAEs group.Conclusions High levels of acylcarnitines and steroid hormone metabolites might be risk factor to development of irAEs, and levels of decenoylcarnitine (AcCa(10:1) 2, decenoylcarnitine (AcCa(10:1) 3 and hexanoylcarnitine (AcCa(6:0) could be used to predict OS for patients with lung cancer received ICIs treatment.

The initial processing of Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’ involves peeling as a crucial step. Currently, there is some semi-automatic peeling equipment available. However, due to the requirement of adjusting the orientation of Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’ to ensure the stem (or navel) is facing upwards before peeling and because the peeling process must retain the stem as a marker for fresh fruit picking, the loading of Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’ for peeling still solely relies on manual operation, resulting in low efficiency and poor standardization. With the rapid growth of the pericarp of the Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’ industry, semi-automatic processing equipment is no longer able to meet production demands. The loading issue before peeling Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’ is a complex hand–eye coordination problem. In response to this issue, this paper proposes a novel Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’ orientation adjustment mechanism (COAM). This mechanism utilizes frictional force to adjust the orientation of Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’. First, the conceptual design and kinematic modelling analysis of the mechanism were conducted. Next, the omnidirectional friction-driven wheels were optimized in design. Subsequently, a prototype was manufactured and assembled to conduct validation tests on its open-loop motion performance. Finally, a visual feedback-guided algorithm was introduced to complement the kinematic model, enabling the automatic and rapid adjustment of Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’ orientation. The experimental results indicate that the COAM designed in this study can effectively and rapidly adjust the orientation of Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’ fruits of different sizes and shapes. It demonstrates strong adaptability, and under visual feedback guidance, the orientation adjustment error is less than 10% of the fruit’s diameter. This meets the requirements for automated production in the initial processing of Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’. The research presented in this paper also provides new insights for the orientation adjustment and loading of similar spherical fruits.

Background: Online food delivery services (OFDS) enable individuals to conveniently access foods from any deliverable location. The increased accessibility to foods may have implications on the consumption of healthful or unhealthful foods. Concerningly, previous research suggests that OFDS offer an abundance of energy-dense and nutrient-poor foods, which are heavily promoted through deals or discounts., Objective: In this paper, we describe the development of the DIGIFOOD dashboard to monitor the digitalization of local food environments in New South Wales, Australia, resulting from the proliferation of OFDS., Methods: Together with a team of data scientists, we designed a purpose-built dashboard using Microsoft Power BI. The development process involved three main stages: (1) data acquisition of food outlets via web scraping, (2) data cleaning and processing, and (3) visualization of food outlets on the dashboard. We also describe the categorization process of food outlets to characterize the healthfulness of local, online, and hybrid food environments. These categories included takeaway franchises, independent takeaways, independent restaurants and cafes, supermarkets or groceries, bakeries, alcohol retailers, convenience stores, and sandwich or salad shops., Results: To date, the DIGIFOOD dashboard has mapped 36,967 unique local food outlets (locally accessible and scraped from Google Maps) and 16,158 unique online food outlets (accessible online and scraped from Uber Eats) across New South Wales, Australia. In 2023, the market-leading OFDS operated in 1061 unique suburbs or localities in New South Wales. The Sydney-Parramatta region, a major urban area in New South Wales accounting for 28 postcodes, recorded the highest number of online food outlets (n=4221). In contrast, the Far West and Orana region, a rural area in New South Wales with only 2 postcodes, recorded the lowest number of food outlets accessible online (n=7). Urban areas appeared to have the greatest increase in total food outlets accessible via online food delivery. In both local and online food environments, it was evident that independent restaurants and cafes comprised the largest proportion of food outlets at 47.2% (17,437/36,967) and 51.8% (8369/16,158), respectively. However, compared to local food environments, the online food environment has relatively more takeaway franchises (2734/16,158, 16.9% compared to 3273/36,967, 8.9%) and independent takeaway outlets (2416/16,158, 14.9% compared to 4026/36,967, 10.9%)., Conclusions: The DIGIFOOD dashboard leverages the current rich data landscape to display and contrast the availability and healthfulness of food outlets that are locally accessible versus accessible online. The DIGIFOOD dashboard can be a useful monitoring tool for the evolving digital food environment at a regional scale and has the potential to be scaled up at a national level. Future iterations of the dashboard, including data from additional prominent OFDS, can be used by policy makers to identify high-priority areas with limited access to healthful foods both online and locally., (©Si Si Jia, Xinwei Luo, Alice Anne Gibson, Stephanie Ruth Partridge. Originally published in JMIR Public Health and Surveillance (https://publichealth.jmir.org), 13.08.2024.)

Background: Metabolomics has the characteristics of terminal effects and reflects the physiological state of biological diseases more directly. Several current biomarkers of multiple omics were revealed to be associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs) occurrence. However, there is a lack of reliable metabolic biomarkers to predict irAEs. This study aims to explore the potential metabolic biomarkers to predict risk of irAEs and to investigate the association of plasma metabolites level with survival in patients with lung cancer receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor treatment., Methods: The study collected 170 plasmas of 85 patients with lung cancer who received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treatment. 58 plasma samples of 29 patients with irAEs were collected before ICIs treatment and at the onset of irAEs. 112 plasma samples of 56 patients who did not develop irAEs were collected before ICIs treatment and plasma matched by treatment cycles to onset of irAEs patients. Untargeted metabolomics analysis was used to identify the differential metabolites before initiating ICIs treatment and during the process that development of irAEs. Kaplan-Meier curves analysis was used to detect the associations of plasma metabolites level with survival of patients with lung cancer., Results: A total of 24 differential metabolites were identified to predict the occurrence of irAEs. Baseline acylcarnitines and steroids levels are significantly higher in patients with irAEs, and the model of eight acylcarnitine and six steroid metabolites baseline level predicts irAEs occurrence with area under the curve of 0.91. Patients with lower concentration of baseline decenoylcarnitine(AcCa(10:1) 2, decenoylcarnitine(AcCa(10:1) 3 and hexanoylcarnitine(AcCa(6:0) in plasma would have better overall survival (OS). Moreover, 52 differential metabolites were identified related to irAEs during ICIs treatment, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, corticoserone, cortisol, thyroxine and sphinganine 1-phaosphate were significantly decreased in irAEs group while oxoglutaric acid and taurocholic acid were significantly increased in irAEs group., Conclusions: High levels of acylcarnitines and steroid hormone metabolites might be risk factor to development of irAEs, and levels of decenoylcarnitine (AcCa(10:1) 2, decenoylcarnitine (AcCa(10:1) 3 and hexanoylcarnitine (AcCa(6:0) could be used to predict OS for patients with lung cancer received ICIs treatment., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)