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Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an antioxidant degradation product of tryptophan that has been shown to have a variety of cytoprotective, neuroprotective and neuronal signalling properties. However, mammalian transporters and receptors display micromolar binding constants; these are consistent with its typically micromolar tissue concentrations but far above its serum/plasma concentration (normally tens of nanomolar), suggesting large gaps in our knowledge of its transport and mechanisms of action, in that the main influx transporters characterized to date are equilibrative, not concentrative. In addition, it is a substrate of a known anion efflux pump (ABCC4), whose in vivo activity is largely unknown. Exogeneous addition of L-tryptophan or L-kynurenine leads to the production of KYNA but also to that of many other co-metabolites (including some such as 3-hydroxy-L-kynurenine and quinolinic acid that may be toxic). With the exception of chestnut honey, KYNA exists at relatively low levels in natural foodstuffs. However, its bioavailability is reasonable, and as the terminal element of an irreversible reaction of most tryptophan degradation pathways, it might be added exogenously without disturbing upstream metabolism significantly. Many examples, which we review, show that it has valuable bioactivity. Given the above, we review its potential utility as a nutraceutical, finding it significantly worthy of further study and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Text matching promotes the research and application of deep understanding of text information, and it provides the basis for information retrieval, recommendation systems and natural language processing by exploring the similar structures in text data. Owning to the outstanding performance and automatically extract text features for the target, the methods based-pre-training models gradually become the mainstream. However, such models usually suffer from the disadvantages of slow retrieval speed and low running efficiency. On the other hand, previous text matching algorithms have mainly focused on horizontal domain research, and there are relatively few vertical domain algorithms for agricultural text, which need to be further investigated. To address this issue, a second-order text matching algorithm has been developed. This paper first obtains a large amount of text about typical agricultural crops and constructs a database by using web crawlers and querying relevant textbooks, etc. Then BM25 algorithm is used to generate a candidate set and BERT model is used to filter the optimal match based on the candidate set. Experiments have shown that the Precision@1 of this second-order algorithm can reach 88.34% on the dataset constructed in this paper, and the average time to match a piece of text is only 2.02 s. Compared with BERT model and BM25 algorithm, there is an increase of 8.81% and 13.73% in Precision@1 respectively. In terms of the average time required for matching a text, it is 55.2 s faster than BERT model and only 2 s slower than BM25 algorithm. It can improve the efficiency and accuracy of agricultural information retrieval, agricultural decision support, agricultural market analysis, etc., and promote the sustainable development of agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triblock copolymers such as styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene (SEBS) have been widely used as an anion exchange membrane for fuel cells due to their phase separation properties. However, modifying the polymer architecture for optimized membrane properties is still challenging. This research develops a strategy to control the membrane morphology based on quaternized SEBS (SEBS-Q) by dual-tapering the interfacial block sequences. The structural and transport properties of SEBS-Q with various tapering styles at different hydration levels are systematically investigated by coarse-grained molecular simulations. The results show that the introduction of the tapered regions induces the formation of a bicontinuous water domain and promotes the diffusivity of the mobile components. The interplay between the solvation of the quaternary groups and the tapered fraction determines the conformation of polymer chains among the hydrophobic–hydrophilic subdomains. The strategy presented here provides a new path to fabricating fuel cell membranes with controlled microstructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific and rational assessment of the evolution of node importance in rail transit line networks is important for the sustainability of transportation systems. Based on the complex network theory, this study develops a weighted network model using the Space L method. It first considers the network topology, the mutual influence of neighboring nodes of the transportation system, and the land use intensity in the station influence domain to construct a comprehensive index evaluation system of node importance. It then uses the covariance-weighted principal component analysis algorithm to more comprehensively evaluate the node importance evolution mechanism and analyzes the similarity and difference of the sorting set by adopting three different methods. The interaction mechanism between the distribution of important nodes and the evolution of land use intensity is explored in detail based on the fractal dimension theory. The Xi'an rail transit network is considered an example of qualitative and quantitative analysis. The obtained results show that the importance of nodes varies at different times of the day and the complexity of the morning peak is more prominent. Over time, articulated fragments with significance values greater than 0.5 are formed around the station, which are aligned with the direction of urban development, creating a sustainable mechanism of interaction. As the network's crucial nodes in the center of gravity increase and the southern network expands, along with the increased intensity of the city's land utilization, the degree of alignment in evolution becomes increasingly substantial. Different strategies for attaching the network, organized based on the size of S i can lead to the rapid damage of the network (reducing it to 0.2). The identification of crucial nodes highlighted in this paper serves as an effective representation of the functional characteristics of the nodes in transportation networks. The results obtained can provide a reference for the operation and management of metro systems and further promote the sustainable development of transportation networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Papaveraceae plant family serves as a botanical reservoir for a variety of medicinal compounds that have been traditionally utilized in Chinese medicine for numerous generations. Growing attention towards the pharmaceutical potential of Papaveraceae has resulted in the identification of many alkaloids, which have attracted significant attention from the scientific community because of their structural complexity and wide range of biological activities, such as analgesic, antihypertensive, antiarrhythmic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-tumor, anti-cancer, and other activities, making them potential candidates for medical use. The primary objective of this review is to analyze the existing literature on the historical use of Papaveraceae plants, focusing on their alkaloid structures and relationship with pharmacological effects, as well as provide a theoretical basis for their clinical application, with the goal of unveiling the future potential of Papaveraceae plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anguimorpha, within the order Squamata, represents a group with distinct morphological and behavioral characteristics in different ecological niches among lizards. Within Anguimorpha, there is a group characterized by limb loss, occupying lower ecological niches, concentrated within the subfamily Anguinae. Lizards with limbs and those without exhibit distinct locomotor abilities when adapting to their habitats, which in turn necessitate varying degrees of energy expenditure. Mitochondria, known as the metabolic powerhouses of cells, play a crucial role in providing approximately 95% of an organism's energy. Functionally, mitogenomes (mitochondrial genomes) can serve as a valuable tool for investigating potential adaptive evolutionary selection behind limb loss in reptiles. Due to the variation of mitogenome structures among each species, as well as its simple genetic structure, maternal inheritance, and high evolutionary rate, the mitogenome is increasingly utilized to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships of squamate animals. In this study, we sequenced the mitogenomes of two species within Anguimorpha as well as the mitogenomes of two species in Gekkota and four species in Scincoidea. We compared these data with the mitogenome content and evolutionary history of related species. Within Anguimorpha, between the mitogenomes of limbless and limbed lizards, a branch-site model analysis supported the presence of 10 positively selected sites: Cytb protein (at sites 183 and 187), ND2 protein (at sites 90, 155, and 198), ND3 protein (at site 21), ND5 protein (at sites 12 and 267), and ND6 protein (at sites 72 and 119). These findings suggested that positive selection of mitogenome in limbless lizards may be associated with the energy requirements for their locomotion. Additionally, we acquired data from 205 mitogenomes from the NCBI database. Bayesian inference (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) trees were constructed using the 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes (PCGs) and two rRNAs (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA) from 213 mitogenomes. Our phylogenetic tree and the divergence time estimates for Squamata based on mitogenome data are consistent with results from previous studies. Gekkota was placed at the root of Squamata in both BI and ML trees. However, within the Toxicofera clade, due to long-branch attraction, Anguimorpha and (Pleurodonta + (Serpentes + Acrodonta)) were closely related groupings, which might indicate errors and also demonstrate that mitogenome-based phylogenetic trees may not effectively resolve long-branch attraction issues. Additionally, we reviewed the origin and diversification of Squamata throughout the Mesozoic era, suggesting that Squamata originated in the Late Triassic (206.05 Mya), with the diversification of various superfamilies occurring during the Cretaceous period. Future improvements in constructing squamate phylogenetic relationships using mitogenomes will rely on identifying snake and acrodont species with slower evolutionary rates, ensuring comprehensive taxonomic coverage of squamate diversity, and increasing the number of genes analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of a new generation of smart cities puts forward higher requirements for the digitization and intelligence of subway tunnel engineering. Digital twin technology has shown great potential in high-fidelity modeling, virtual–real mapping, and decision support based on data analysis, but its research is still in its infancy. To this end, this paper first discusses in depth the inherent complexity and safety risks of subway tunnel construction and emphasizes the significant advantages of digital twin technology compared with traditional technology. Then, by summarizing the existing concepts, this paper proposes a specific explanation of DT applicable to subway tunnel engineering. In order to deeply analyze the potential of digital twin technology in subway tunnel engineering, this paper first conducts a bibliometric analysis and organizes the relevant research directions in recent years based on a visual map. Then, the application of DT in the field of subway tunnel engineering is discussed, including the modeling method of the subway digital twin, intelligent management of the construction process, safety guarantee, operation and maintenance, and resource optimization of traffic facilities in subway stations. Finally, this paper discusses the prospects and gaps of digital twin technology in theoretical and practical applications, aiming to promote the practical application of this technology in subway tunnel engineering. Through the summary and prospect of the existing research, this paper provides a valuable reference for future research directions and practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient preparation of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) rings, as a macromolecular construction approach with topological features, has aroused much interest due to the ssDNA rings' numerous applications in biotechnology and DNA nanotechnology. However, an extra splint is essential for enzymatic circularization, and by-products of multimers are usually present at high concentrations. Here, we proposed a simple and robust strategy using permuted precursor (linear ssDNA) for circularization by forming an intramolecular dynamic nick using a part of the linear ssDNA substrate itself as the template. After the simulation of the secondary structure for desired circular ssDNA, the linear ssDNA substrate is designed to have its ends on the duplex part (≥5 bp). By using this permuted substrate with 5′-phosphate, the splint-free circularization is simply carried out by T4 DNA ligase. Very interestingly, formation of only several base pairs (2–4) flanking the nick is enough for ligation, although they form only instantaneously under ligation conditions. More significantly, the 5-bp intramolecular duplex part commonly exists in genomes or functional DNA, demonstrating the high generality of our approach. Our findings are also helpful for understanding the mechanism of enzymatic DNA ligation from the viewpoint of substrate binding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timing Engineering Change Order (ECO) is time-consuming in IC design, requiring multiple rounds of timing analysis. Compared to traditional methods for accelerating timing analysis, which focus on a specific design, timing ECO requires higher accuracy and generalization because the design changes considerably after ECO. Additionally, there are challenges with slow acquisition of data for large designs and insufficient data for small designs. To solve these problems, we propose TSTL-GNN, a novel approach using two-stage transfer learning based on graph structures. Significantly, considering that delay calculation relies on transition time, we divide our model into two stages: the first stage predicts transition time, and the second stage predicts delay. Moreover, we employ transfer learning to transfer the model's parameters and features from the first stage to the second due to the similar calculation formula for delay and transition time. Experiments show that our method has good accuracy on open-source and industrial applications with an average R 2 s c o r e / M A E of 0.9952/13.36, and performs well with data-deficient designs. Compared to previous work, our model reduce prediction errors by 37.1 ps on the modified paths, which are changed by 24.27% on average after ECO. The stable R 2 score also confirms the generalization of our model. In terms of time cost, our model achieved results for path delays consuming up to 80 times less time compared to open-source tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camellia fascicularis has important ornamental, medicinal, and food values, which also have tremendous potential for exploiting bioactivities. We performed the bioactivity-guided (antioxidant and antimicrobial) screening of eight fractions obtained from the ethyl acetate phase of C. fascicularis. The antioxidant activity was measured by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP, and the antibacterial activity was measured by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The results of bioactivity-guided isolation indicated that the major antioxidant compounds in the ethanolic extracts of C. fascicularis may be present in fractions (Fr.) (A–G, obtained after silica gel column chromatography). Fr. (D–I, obtained after silica gel column chromatography) is a fraction of C. fascicularis with antimicrobial activity. The structures of compounds were determined by spectral analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) combined with the available literature on secondary metabolites of C. fascicularis leaves. In this study, 17 compounds were identified, including four phenolics (1, 3–4, and 14), a phenylpropane (2), five terpenoids (5–7, 12, and 15), four flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides (8–10 and 16), and two lignins (13 and 17). Compounds 4–7, 13–15, and 17 were isolated from the genus Camellia for first time. The remaining compounds were also isolated from C. fascicularis for first time. The evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities revealed that compounds 1, 3, 9, 11, and 17 exhibited higher antioxidant activity than the positive control drug (ascorbic acid), and compounds 4, 8, 10, and 13 showed similar activity to ascorbic acid. The other compounds had weaker or no significant antioxidant activities. The MIC of antibacterial activity for compounds 4, 7, and 11–13 against P. aeruginosa was comparable to that of the positive control drug tetracycline at 125 µg/mL, and other secondary metabolites inhibited E. coli and S. aureus at 250–500 µg/mL. This is also the first report of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of compounds 5–7, 13–15, and 17. The results of the study enriched the variety of secondary metabolites of C. fascicularis and laid the foundation for further research on the pharmacological efficacy and biological activity of this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory dust of different particle sizes in the environment causes diverse health effects when entering the human body and makes acute or chronic damage through multiple systems and organs. However, the precise toxic effects and potential mechanisms induced by dust of different particle sizes have not been systematically summarized. In this study, we described the sources and characteristics of three different particle sizes of dust: PM2.5 (<2.5 μm), silica (<5 μm), and nanosilica (<100 nm). Based on their respective characteristics, we further explored the main toxicity induced by silica, PM2.5, and nanosilica in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we evaluated the health implications of respiratory dust on the human body, and especially proposed potential synergistic effects, considering current studies. In summary, this review summarized the health hazards and toxic mechanisms associated with respiratory dust of different particle sizes. It could provide new insights for investigating the synergistic effects of co-exposure to respiratory dust of different particle sizes in mixed environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apples are rich in phytochemicals useful for human health. However, environmental factors can greatly affect the accumulation of these compounds. To face this problem, the callus culture technique was used to obtain large quantities of phytochemicals. Specifically, two callus cultures were obtained from ripe Annurca apple pulp (Malus pumila cv Miller) and cultivated under different light conditions: darkness and an 18-h photoperiod. The hydro-alcoholic extracts from the calli underwent analysis using GC-MS, GC-FID, and HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn to determine the qualitative and quantitative content of phenolic and triterpenic acids. The study revealed the predominant presence of triterpenic compounds in both calli. Furthermore, we investigated their radical scavenging and antioxidant activities through DPPH, ABTS, ORAC assays, and lipoxygenase inhibition activity. Genoprotection was evaluated via nicking assay, and the anti-inflammatory effect was investigated via Griess assay on LPS-injured murine macrophages. All the analyses performed were compared with peel and pulp hydroalcoholic extracts. The results showed that both calli primarily show anti-inflammatory activity and moderate antioxidant effect and can protect DNA against oxidative stimuli. This data encouraged further research aimed at utilizing callus as a bioreactor to produce secondary metabolites for use in preventive and therapeutic applications to combat acute or chronic age-associated diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cynanchum belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is a morphologically diverse genus that includes around 200 shrub or perennial herb species. Despite the utilization of CPGs, few molecular phylogenetic studies have endeavored to elucidate infrafamilial relationships within Cynanchum through extensive taxon sampling. In this research, we constructed a phylogeny and estimated divergence time based on the chloroplast genomes (CPGs) of nine Cynanchum species. We sequenced and annotated nine chloroplast (CP) genomes in this study. The comparative analysis of these genomes from these Cynanchum species revealed a typical quadripartite structure, with a total sequence length ranging from 158,283 to 161,241 base pairs (bp). The CP genome (CPG) was highly conserved and moderately differentiated. Through annotation, we identified a total of 129–132 genes. Analysis of the boundaries of inverted repeat (IR) regions showed consistent positioning: the rps19 gene was located in the IRb region, varying from 46 to 50 bp. IRb/SSC junctions were located between the trnN and ndhF genes. We did not detect major expansions or contractions in the IR region or rearrangements or insertions in the CPGs of the nine Cynanchum species. The results of SSR analysis revealed a variation in the number of SSRs, ranging from 112 to 150. In five types of SSRs, the largest number was mononucleotide repeats, and the smallest number was hexanucleotide repeats. The number of long repeats in the cp genomes of nine Cynanchum species was from 35 to 80. In nine species of Cynanchum, the GC3s values ranged from 26.80% to 27.00%, indicating a strong bias towards A/U-ending codons. Comparative analyses revealed four hotspot regions in the CPG, ndhA-ndhH, trnI-GAU-rrn16, psbI-trnS-GCU, and rps7-ndhB, which could potentially serve as molecular markers. In addition, phylogenetic tree construction based on the CPG indicated that the nine Cynanchum species formed a monophyletic group. Molecular dating suggested that Cynanchum diverged from its sister genus approximately 18.87 million years ago (Mya) and species diversification within the Cynanchum species primarily occurred during the recent Miocene epoch. The divergence time estimation presented in this study will facilitate future research on Cynanchum, aid in species differentiation, and facilitate diverse investigations into this economically and ecologically important genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Sicily (Italy), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus (HRV), and influenza virus triggered epidemics among children, resulting in an increase in acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs). Our objective was to capture the epidemiology of respiratory infections in children, determining which pathogens were associated with respiratory infections following the lockdown and whether there were changes in the epidemiological landscape during the post-SARS-CoV-2 pandemic era. Materials and Methods: We analyzed multiplex respiratory viral PCR data (BioFire® FilmArray® Respiratory Panel 2.1 Plus) from 204 children presenting with respiratory symptoms and/or fever to our Unit of Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency. Results: Viruses were predominantly responsible for ARTIs (99%), with RSV emerging as the most common agent involved in respiratory infections, followed by human rhinovirus/enterovirus and influenza A. RSV and rhinovirus were also the primary agents in coinfections. RSV predominated during winter months, while HRV/EV exhibited greater prevalence than RSV during the fall. Some viruses spread exclusively in coinfections (human coronavirus NL63, adenovirus, metapneumovirus, and parainfluenza viruses 1–3), while others primarily caused mono-infections (influenza A and B). SARS-CoV-2 was detected equally in both mono-infections (41%) and coinfections (59%). Conclusions: Our analysis underlines the predominance of RSV and the importance of implementing preventive strategies for RSV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs), recognized as endocrine disruptors, are identified as predominant organic pollutants in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR). Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), a representative PAE, has been extensively studied for its sources, distribution and ecological risks. However, there are few studies on the adsorption of DBP by sediment from the TGR, and the adsorption characteristics of surface sediment on DBP are not clear. Therefore, based on the actual sediment contents and particle sizes in the TGR, the kinetics and isothermal adsorption characteristics of surface sediment on DBP were investigated in this study. The results showed that the equilibrium time was 120 min, the adsorption kinetics were more in line with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the sediment in water from the Yangtze River exhibited a higher adsorption rate and maximum adsorption amount on DBP than that observed in deionized water. Additionally, a decrease in DBP adsorption was observed with increasing sediment content, while sediment particle size and specific surface area had a slight influence. Analysis using SEM, TGA and FTIR revealed that organic matter on the sediment surface significantly contributed to DBP adsorption. This study contributes valuable insights into the adsorption characteristics of DBP by the surface sediment from the TGR, providing a scientific foundation for understanding the migration and transformation of DBP in this critical reservoir in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Mycotoxins pose a serious threat to human and animal health by causing acute poisoning and chronic effects. However, the toxicological mechanism of mycotoxins is complicated and unclear. Recent reports have revealed that activation of the nucleotide-binding, oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is linked with the tissue damage and inflammation induced by mycotoxin exposure. Through a comprehensive literature review, this study illuminates the dysregulated expression of NLRP3 inflammasome responses to mycotoxin exposure. This study not only advances our knowledge of the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in mycotoxin exposure but also offers valuable insights for future studies of novel anti-inflammatory agents used in cases of mycotoxin exposure. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by several fungi and moulds that exert toxicological effects on animals including immunotoxicity, genotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, teratogenicity, and neurotoxicity. However, the toxicological mechanisms of mycotoxins are complex and unclear. The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a multimeric cytosolic protein complex composed of the NLRP3 sensor, ASC adapter protein, and caspase-1 effector. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome plays a crucial role in innate immune defence and homeostatic maintenance. Recent studies have revealed that NLRP3 inflammasome activation is linked to tissue damage and inflammation induced by mycotoxin exposure. Thus, this review summarises the latest advancements in research on the roles of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the pathogenesis of mycotoxin exposure. The effects of exposure to multiple mycotoxins, including deoxynivalenol, aflatoxin B1, zearalenone, T-2 toxin, ochratoxin A, and fumonisim B1, on pyroptosis-related factors and inflammation-related factors in vitro and in vivo and the pharmacological inhibition of specific and nonspecific NLRP3 inhibitors are summarized and examined. This comprehensive review contributes to a better understanding of the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in toxicity induced by mycotoxin exposure and provides novel insights for pharmacologically targeting NLRP3 as a novel anti-inflammatory agent against mycotoxin exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi) is a significant fish species in the Southwest Atlantic, both economically and ecologically. These fish often host Anisakidae larvae, which are common parasites. Despite their prevalence, the specific nutritional relationships between these parasites and their host are not well understood. This study uses stable isotope techniques to investigate these relationships by analyzing the carbon and nitrogen compositions in different tissues of the hake and comparing them to those in the parasites. The results show significant differences, indicating that the parasites primarily obtain their nutrients from the hake's stomach but also from other tissues. This study provides new insights into the complex nutritional interactions between the M. hubbsi and Anisakidae parasites, which can help improve the management and conservation of this important fish species. The Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi) is a vital fishery species in the Southwest Atlantic, recognized for its substantial economic importance. Previous studies have identified Anisakidae larvae as common parasites of M. hubbsi. However, the nutritional relationships between these parasites and their host remain poorly understood. This study employs stable isotope techniques to investigate the specific nutritional relationships between Anisakidae larvae and different tissues of M. hubbsi. The findings reveal notable differences in δ13C and δ15N compositions between the parasites and their host. The lower δ13C values in parasites compared to host tissues indicate the utilization of different carbon sources. The δ15N values of the parasites partially overlap with those of the host's stomach, indicating that the parasites primarily derive nutrients from the host's stomach. Nutritional niche indicators show that parasites have a broad carbon range (CR) and nitrogen range (NR), suggesting a high diversity in nutritional sources. The trophic discrimination factor (ΔTDF), which represents the difference in stable isotope values between host tissues and parasites, was analyzed for both δ13C and δ15N. The Δ T D F δ 13 C between the host liver and the parasites showed the greatest variation, indicating a strong dependence of the parasites on the liver's carbon sources. In contrast, variations in Δ T D F δ 15 N between host tissues and parasites were minimal. Analyzing ΔTDF across different stages of gonadal maturity in the host fish indicates that, as the gonads of the host fish mature, Δ T D F δ 13 C between host tissues and parasites significantly decreases (p < 0.01). The Kruskal–Wallis test showed significant differences in Δ T D F δ 13 C values among different parasite infection levels in muscle, liver, and stomach tissues, while no significant differences were found for Δ T D F δ 15 N values. These findings offer valuable insights into the nutritional relationships between parasites and hosts, aiding in a better understanding of the growth conditions and habitats of M. hubbsi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to introduce a custom-designed integrated nucleic acid detection polymerase chain reaction (PCR) instrument for clinical detection applications. Design/methodology/approach: The PCR instrument can make rapid, sensitive, low-cost and quantitative molecular diagnosis compared with the current routine test flow from the pipette, series reagent to RT-PCR by manual manipulation. By integrating the multichannel automatic pipetting module, heat amplification module and real-time fluorescence detection module for the first time, the custom-designed integrated nucleic acid detection PCR instrument can achieve sample collection, subpackage, mixing, extracting, measuring and result presentation. Findings: The multichannel automatic pipetting module was assembled with an accuracy of 0.4% (2 microliters) for accuracy measurement. Besides, the accuracy and sensitivity of nucleic acid using integrated low-cost nucleic acid detection PCR instruments were checked with COV-2019 virus (staining method) and African swine fever virus (probe method) under different concentrations. Practical implications: Because of its high cost, complex system and bulky laboratory settings, including sample subpackage, mixing, extracting, measuring and finally result in presentation, the current nucleic acid detection system is not suitable for field operation and disease diagnosis in remote areas. The group independently designed and assembled an integrated low-cost multichannel nucleic acid detection PCR instrument, including a multichannel automatic pipetting module, a heat amplification module and a real-time fluorescence detection module. Originality/value: The above equipment showed better reliability compared with commercial qPCR. These results can lay the foundation for functional, fast and low-cost PCR equipment for trace measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conjugated polymers have attracted significant attention in the field of photocatalysis due to their exceptional properties, including versatile optimization, cost-effectiveness, and structure stability. Herein, two conjugated porous polymers, PhIN-CPP and ThIN-CPP, based on triazines, were meticulously designed and successfully synthesized using benzene and thiophene as building blocks. Based on UV diffuse reflection spectra, the photonic band gaps of PhIN-CPP and ThIN-CPP were calculated as 2.05 eV and 1.79 eV. The PhIN-CPP exhibited a high hydrogen evolution rate (HER) of 5359.92 μmol·g−1·h−1, which is 10 times higher than that of Thin-CPP (538.49 μmol·g−1·h−1). The remarkable disparity in the photocatalytic performance can be primarily ascribed to alterations in the band structure of the polymers, which includes its more stable benzene units, fluffier structure, larger specific surface area, most pronounced absorption occurring in the visible region and highly extended conjugation with a high density of electrons. The ΔEST values for PhIN-CPP and ThIN-CPP were calculated as 0.79 eV and 0.80 eV, respectively, based on DFT and TD-DFT calculations, which revealed that the incorporation of triazine units in the as-prepared CMPs could enhance the charge transfer via S1 ↔ T1 and was beneficial to the photocatalytic decomposition of H2O. This study presents a novel concept for developing a hybrid system for preparation of H2 by photocatalysis with effectiveness, sustainability, and economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are pivotal regulators of gene expression, playing crucial roles in plant developmental processes and environmental responses. However, the function of miRNAs in influencing deciduous traits has been little explored. Here, we utilized sRNA-seq on two deciduous species, Ilex polyneura (Hand.-Mazz.) S. Y. Hu and Ilex asprella Champ. ex Benth., along with an evergreen species, Ilex latifolia Thunb., to identify and annotate miRNAs within these species. Our analysis revealed 162 species-specific miRNAs (termed SS-miRNAs) from 120 families, underscoring the fundamental roles and potential influence of SS-miRNAs on plant phenotypic diversity and adaptation. Notably, three SS-miRNAs in I. latifolia were found to target crucial genes within the abscission signaling pathway. Analysis of cis-regulatory elements suggested a novel regulatory relationship that may contribute to the evergreen phenotype of I. latifolia by modulating the abscission process in a light-independent manner. These findings propose a potential mechanism by which SS-miRNAs can influence the conserved abscission pathway, contributing to the phenotypic divergence between deciduous and evergreen species within the genus Ilex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel microchannel heat sink (TFMCHS) with trapezoidal ribs and fan grooves was proposed, and the microchannel was manufactured using selective laser melting technology. Firstly, the temperature and pressure drop at different power levels were measured through experiments and then combined with numerical simulation to explore the complex flow characteristics within TFMCHSs and evaluate the comprehensive performance of microchannel heat sinks based on the thermal enhancement coefficient. The results show that, compared with rectangular microchannel heat sinks (RMCHSs), the average and maximum temperatures of TFMCHSs are significantly reduced, and the temperature distribution is more uniform. This is mainly caused by the periodic interruption and redevelopment of the velocity boundary layer and thermal boundary layer caused by ribs and grooves. And as the heating power increases, the TFMCHS has better heat dissipation performance. When P = 33   W and the inlet flow rate is 32.5 mL / min , the thermal enhancement factor reaches 1.26. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The East Asian common octopus (Octopus sinensis) is an economically important species among cephalopods. This species exhibits a strict dioecious and allogamous reproductive strategy, along with a phenotypic sexual dimorphism, where the third right arm differentiates into hectocotylus in males. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie sex determination and differentiation in this species remains limited. In the present study, we surveyed gene-expression profiles in the immature male and female gonads of O. sinensis based on the RNA-seq, and a total of 47.83 Gb of high-quality data were generated. Compared with the testis, we identified 8302 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the ovary, of which 4459 genes were up-regulated and 3843 genes were down-regulated. Based on the GO enrichment, many GO terms related to sex differentiation were identified, such as sex differentiation (GO: 0007548), sexual reproduction (GO: 0019953) and male sex differentiation (GO: 0046661). A KEGG classification analysis identified three conserved signaling pathways that related to sex differentiation, including the Wnt signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway and Notch signaling pathway. Additionally, 21 sex-related DEGs were selected, of which 13 DEGs were male-biased, including Dmrt1, Foxn5, Foxj1, Sox30, etc., and 8 DEGs were female-biased, including Sox14, Nanos3, β-tubulin, Suh, etc. Ten DEGs were used to verify the expression patterns in the testis and ovary using the RT-qPCR method, and the results showed that the expression level shown by RT-qPCR was consistent with that from the RNA-seq, which confirmed the reliability of the transcriptome data. The results presented in this study will not only contribute to our understanding of sex-formation mechanisms in O. sinensis but also provide the foundational information for further investigating the molecular mechanisms that underline its gonadal development and facilitate the sustainable development of octopus artificial breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) has been extensively studied as a transparent analogue for investigating the solidification of metals due to its distinctive properties and the simplicity of the experimentation. Furthermore, NH4Cl exhibits a striking resemblance in solidification behavior to the majority of binary eutectic alloy systems, rendering it a valuable model for studying phase transition phenomena. Experiments conducted on ammonium chloride are frequently employed to validate numerical models for predicting grain structures, macrosegregation, and the columnar-to-equiaxed transition (CET). This latter phenomenon arises due to differences in the velocities of columnar dendrite tips and the liquidus isosurface. However, the kinetics of dendrite tip growth, as a function of supersaturation, remains poorly understood for this commonly used alloy. The objective of this study was to utilize the available experimental data in conjunction with Ivantsov correlations to shed light on the ambiguous kinetics. The results indicate that when considering the crystal–melt density ratio, the Ivantsov solution offers a good correlation. Furthermore, incorporating a moderate interfacial kinetic coefficient enhances the correlations further. This correlation can be implemented in numerical models, which will aid in the determination of the columnar front, the columnar-to-equiaxed transition, and the equiaxed growth velocities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research impact of catalysts on the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process remains an ongoing debate, especially regarding the quest to enhance biomass conversion into fuels and chemicals, which requires diverse catalysts to optimize bio-oil utilization. Comprehensive insights and standardized analytical methodologies are crucial for understanding HTC's potential benefits in terms of biomass conversion stages. This review seeks to understand how catalysts enhance the HTC of biomass for liquid fuel and hydrochar production, drawing from the following key sections: (a) catalyst types applied in HTC processes; (b) biochar functionality as a potential catalyst; (c) catalysts increasing the success of HTC process; and (d) catalyst's effect on the morphological and textural character of hydrochar. The performance of activated carbon would greatly increase via catalyst action, which would progress the degree of carbonization and surface modification, alongside key heteroatoms. As catalytic HTC technology advances, producing carbon materials for thermochemical activities will become more cost-effective, considering the ever-growing demands for high-performance thermochemical technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth elements (REEs) have recently been classified as critical and strategic metals due to their importance in modern society. Research on the geochemical behaviors and mineralization of REEs not only provides essential guidance for mineral exploration but also holds great significance in enhancing our understanding of Earth's origin and evolution. This paper reviews recent research on the occurrence characteristics, deposit types, and hydrothermal behaviors of REEs, with a particular focus on comparing the complexation and transport of REEs by F, Cl, S, C, P, OH, and organic ligands in fluids. Due to the very weak hydrolysis of REE ions, they predominantly exist as either hydrated ions or free ions in low-temperature and acidic to weakly basic fluids. As the ligand activity increases, the general order of transporting REEs is Cl− ≈ S O 4 2 − > F− ≈ P O 4 3 − > C O 3 2 − > OH− under acidic conditions or OH− > S O 4 2 − ≈ Cl− > F− under alkaline conditions. In acidic to neutral hydrothermal systems, the transport of REEs is primarily dominated by S O 4 2 − and Cl− ions while the deposition of REEs could be influenced by F−, C O 3 2 − , and P O 4 3 − ions. In neutral to alkaline hydrothermal systems, REEs mainly exist in fluids as hydroxyl complexes or other ligand-bearing hydroxyl complexes. Additionally suggested are further comprehensive investigations that will fill significant gaps in our understanding of mechanisms governing the transport and enrichment of REEs in hydrothermal fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most important sources for green hydrogen, anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs) have been developing rapidly in recent decades. Among these components, anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with high ionic conductivity and good stability play an important role in the performance of AEMWEs. In this study, we have developed a simple blending method to fabricate the blended membrane ImPSF-PEGx via the introduction of a hydrophilic PEG into the PSF-based ionic polymer. Given their hydrophilicity and coordination properties, the introduced PEGs are beneficial in assembling the ionic groups to form the ion-conducting channels. Moreover, an asymmetric structure is observed in ImPSF-PEGx membranes with a layer of finger-like cracks at the upper surface because PEGs can act as pore-forming agents. During the study, the ImPSF-PEGx membranes exhibited higher water uptake and ionic conductivity with lower swelling ratios and much better mechanical properties in comparison to the pristine ImPSF membrane. The ImPSF-PEG1000 membrane showed the best overall performance among the membranes with higher ionic conductivity (82.6 mS cm−1 at 80 °C), which was approximately two times higher than the conductivity of ImPSF, and demonstrated better mechanical and alkaline stability. The alkaline water electrolyzer assembled by ImPSF-PEG1000 achieved a current density of 606 mA cm−2 at 80 °C under conditions of 1 M KOH and 2.06 V, and maintained an essentially unchanged performance after 48 h running. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Diaphorina citri is an important transmission vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the causal agent of citrus Huanglongbing (HLB). The control of HLB mainly depends on the management of D. citri. The efficiency of D. citri nymphs in acquiring CLas bacteria is significantly higher than that of the adults, while the transmission efficiency of CLas bacteria by adults is significantly higher than that of nymphs. Therefore, it is of great significance to research the functions of key genes during the molting of fifth-instar nymphs. In this study, SMRT and Illumina sequencing were performed on D. citri fifth-instar nymphs and adults. SMRT-Seq-generated full-length transcripts provide valuable information for improving functional gene research in D. citri. Additionally, Illumina sequencing revealed that the Hippo pathway played an important role in regulating the transition of D. citri from fifth-instar nymphs to adults. Our findings provide useful reference information and lay a foundation for controlling D. citri. Huanglongbing (HLB) is a systemic plant disease caused by 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas)' and transmitted by Diaphorina citri. D. citri acquires the CLas bacteria in the nymph stage and transmits it in the adult stage, indicating that molting from the nymph to adult stages is crucial for HLB transmission. However, the available D. citri reference genomes are incomplete, and gene function studies have been limited to date. In the current research, PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) and Illumina sequencing were performed to investigate the transcriptome of D. citri nymphs and adults. In total, 10,641 full-length, non-redundant transcripts (FLNRTs), 594 alternative splicing (AS) events, 4522 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), 1086 long-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), 281 transcription factors (TFs), and 4459 APA sites were identified. Furthermore, 3746 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between nymphs and adults were identified, among which 30 DEGs involved in the Hippo signaling pathway were found. Reverse transcription–quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) further validated the expression levels of 12 DEGs and showed a positive correlation with transcriptome data. Finally, the spatiotemporal expression pattern of genes involved in the Hippo signaling pathway exhibited high expression in the D. citri testis, ovary, and egg. Silencing of the D. citri transcriptional co-activator (DcYki) gene significantly increased D. citri mortality and decreased the cumulative molting. Our results provide useful information and a reliable data resource for gene function research of D. citri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bone-anchored maxillary protraction (BAMP) aims to correct midfacial deficiencies, with proven positive skeletal changes without potential unwanted side effects. However, the influence of BAMP treatment on facial soft tissues, particularly in subjects with complete unilateral cleft lip, alveolus, and palate (CUCLAP), remains unclear. Methods: This single-center longitudinal cohort study examined the effects of 1.5 years of BAMP treatment on facial soft tissues in growing subjects with complete unilateral cleft lip, alveolus, and palate. The sample consisted of 25 patients, age range 9.7 to 12.6 years. Three-dimensional surface models derived from CBCT scans were superimposed on stable structures of the anterior cranial base and on the occipital area posterior of the foramen magnum to assess three-dimensional changes due to growth and BAMP therapy. Results: The results revealed a moderate positive correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient from 0.203 to 0.560) between changes in hard tissue and soft tissue; some correlations were found to be weak (<0.300). Linear changes in soft tissue following BAMP were in the same direction as skeletal changes, showing downward, forward, and outward displacement. The only exception was in the vertical dimension. The lower facial third showed a slight but significant reduction, mainly in lip length (−1.2 mm), whereas the middle facial third showed a small increase (1.1 mm). Conclusions: It was concluded that during BAMP, soft tissue changes occur in the same direction as skeletal changes, although with a larger variability and less pronounced effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the problem that ultra-wide band (UWB) cannot be accurately localized in environments with large noise variations and unknown statistical properties, a combinatorial localization method based on improved cubature (CKF) is proposed. First, in order to overcome the problem of inaccurate local approximation or even the inability to converge due to the initial value not being set near the optimal solution in the process of solving the UWB position by the least-squares method, the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm (L–M) is adopted to optimally solve the UWB position. Secondly, because UWB and IMU information are centrally fused, an adaptive factor is introduced to update the measurement noise covariance matrix in real time to update the observation noise, and the fading factor is added to suppress the filtering divergence to achieve an improvement for the traditional CKF algorithm. Finally, the performance of the proposed combined localization method is verified by field experiments in line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) scenarios, respectively. The results show that the proposed method can maintain high localization accuracy in both LOS and NLOS scenarios. Compared with the Extended Kalman filter (EKF), unbiased Kalman filter (UKF), and CKF algorithms, the localization accuracies of the proposed method in NLOS scenarios are improved by 25.2%, 18.3%, and 11.3%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to improve the automatic leveling performance of tractor body in hilly and mountainous areas by designing a kind of controllable and adaptive leveling mechanism of tractor body. Design/methodology/approach: The mechanism is mainly composed of longitudinal slope leveling mechanism, transverse slope leveling mechanism and control components. According to the tractor body attitude in operation, the longitudinal slope leveling and lateral slope leveling can coordinate to realize the adaptive adjustment of tractor body. For this mechanism, the support mode of the linear three-point support and plane positioning combining is designed, and the leveling method of electromechanical combination is designed. The servo motor controls the longitudinal slope leveling mechanism through the reducer with self-locking function to realize the longitudinal leveling, and the servo driver controls the expansion and contraction of electric cylinder to realize lateral leveling. The designed mode can realize the relative independence and coordination of leveling in different directions. Findings: The performance test results of the leveling mechanism are shown: the mechanism can work normally; the leveling accuracy can reach within 1°; and the leveling accuracy and stability can meet the design requirements. The leveling accuracy and stability of longitudinal slope are higher than that of lateral slope, and the coordination leveling effect of longitudinal slope and lateral slope is better than that of the independent leveling. Originality/value: This study provides a technical reference for the design of leveling device of agricultural machines and tools in hilly and mountainous areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunella vulgaris (PV) is one of the most commonly used nutraceuticals as it has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition of PV and its in vivo antioxidant properties. A phytochemical analysis measuring the total phenolic content (TPC), the identification of phenolic compounds by HPLC-DAD-ESI, and the evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant activity by the DPPH assay of the extract were performed. The antioxidant effects on inflammation induced by turpentine oil were experimentally tested in rats. Seven groups with six animals each were used: a control group, the experimental inflammation treatment group, the experimental inflammation and diclofenac sodium (DS) treatment group, and four groups with their inflammation treated using different dilutions of the extract. Serum redox balance was assessed based on total oxidative status (TOS), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiols, and an oxidative stress index (OSI) contents. The TPC was 0.28 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mL extract, while specific representatives were represented by caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, dihydroxybenzoic acid, gentisic acid, protocatechuic acid, rosmarinic acid, vanillic acid, apigenin–glucuronide, hesperidin, kaempferol–glucuronide. The highest amount (370.45 μg/mL) was reported for hesperidin, which is a phenolic compound belonging to the flavanone subclass. The antioxidant activity of the extracts, determined using the DPPH assay, was 27.52 mmol Trolox/mL extract. The PV treatment reduced the oxidative stress by lowering the TOS, OSI, NO, and MDA and by increasing the TAC and thiols. In acute inflammation, treatment with the PV extract reduced oxidative stress, with lower concentrations being more efficient and having a better effect than DS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several breast pathologies can affect the skin, and clinical pathways might differ significantly depending on the underlying diagnosis. This study investigates the feasibility of using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to differentiate skin pathologies in breast MRIs. This retrospective study included 88 female patients who underwent diagnostic breast MRI (1.5 or 3T), including DWI. Skin areas were manually segmented, and the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were compared between different pathologies: inflammatory breast cancer (IBC; n = 5), benign skin inflammation (BSI; n = 11), Paget's disease (PD; n = 3), and skin-involved breast cancer (SIBC; n = 11). Fifty-eight women had healthy skin (H; n = 58). The SIBC group had a significantly lower mean ADC than the BSI and IBC groups. These differences persisted for the first-order features of the ADC (mean, median, maximum, and minimum) only between the SIBC and BSI groups. The mean ADC did not differ significantly between the BSI and IBC groups. Quantitative DWI assessments demonstrated differences between various skin-affecting pathologies, but did not distinguish clearly between all of them. More extensive studies are needed to assess the utility of quantitative DWI in supplementing the diagnostic assessment of skin pathologies in breast imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Untreated or inadequately treated silver−containing wastewater may pose adverse effects on hu−man health and the ecological environment. Currently, significant progress has been made in the treatment of Ag(I) in wastewater using adsorption methods, with adsorbents playing a pivotal role in this process. This paper provides a systematic review of various adsorbents for the recovery and treatment of Ag(I) in wastewater, including MOFs, COFs, transition metal sulfides, metal oxides, biomass materials, and other polymeric materials. The adsorption mechanisms of these materials for Ag(I) are elaborated upon, along with the challenges currently faced. Furthermore, insights into optimizing adsorbents and developing novel adsorbents are proposed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm. (Apiaceae), commonly known as wild chervil, has gained scientific interest owing to its diverse phytochemical profile and potential therapeutic applications. The plant, despite being categorized as a noxious weed, is traditionally used in treating various conditions like headaches, dressing wounds, and as a tonic, antitussive, antipyretic, analgesic, and diuretic. Its pharmacological importance stems from containing diverse bioactive lignans, especially aryltetralins and dibenzylbutyrolactones. One of the main compounds of A. sylvestris, deoxypodophyllotoxin, among its wide-ranging effects, including antitumor, antiproliferative, antiplatelet aggregation, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and insecticidal properties, serves as a pivotal precursor to epipodophyllotoxin, crucial in the semisynthesis of cytostatic agents like etoposide and teniposide. The main starting compound for these anticancer medicines was podophyllotoxin, intensively isolated from Sinopodophyllum hexandrum, now listed as an endangered species due to overexploitation. Since new species are being investigated as potential sources, A. sylvestris emerges as a highly promising candidate owing to its abundant lignan content. This review summarizes the current knowledge on A. sylvestris, investigating its biological and morphological characteristics, and pharmacological properties. Emphasizing the biological activities and structure–activity relationship, this review underscores its therapeutic potential, thus encouraging further exploration and utilization of this valuable plant resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a method for analyzing dimethomorph residues in lychee using QuEChERS extraction and HPLC-MS/MS. The validation parameters for this method, which include accuracy, precision, linearity, and recovery, indicate that it meets standard validation requirements. Following first-order kinetics, the dissipation dynamic of dimethomorph in lychee was determined to range from 6.4 to 9.2 days. Analysis of terminal residues revealed that residues in whole lychee were substantially greater than those in the pulp, indicating that dimethomorph residues are predominantly concentrated in the peel. When applied twice and thrice at two dosage levels with pre-harvest intervals (PHIs) of 5, 7, and 10 days, the terminal residues in whole lychee ranged from 0.092 to 1.99 mg/kg. The terminal residues of the pulp ranged from 0.01 to 0.18 mg/kg, with the residue ratio of whole lychee to pulp consistently exceeding one. The risk quotient (RQ) for dimethomorph, even at the recommended dosage, was less than one, indicating that the potential for damage was negligible. This study contributes to the establishment of maximum residue limits (MRLs) in China by providing essential information on the safe application of dimethomorph in lychee orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A less than one-month-old infant with symptoms of rhinitis died unexpectedly in his sleep. He was not born prematurely and had no known underlying disease. Cerebrospinal fluid, nasopharyngeal and lung samples, and rectal swab were found to be positive for subgroup A rhinovirus, while the blood was negative. This case highlights the important finding that the rhinovirus, a common pathogen associated with upper respiratory tract infections, can sometimes, as the only pathogen, lead to complications such as a cerebrospinal infection and be involved in the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Vigilance is necessary in case of viral infections in the infant's environment, and measures of hygiene and protection must be encouraged in order to reduce the risk of the SIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industry Foundation Classes (IFCs), as the most recognized data schema for Building Information Modeling (BIM), are increasingly combined with ontology to facilitate data interoperability across the whole lifecycle in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Facility Management (AEC/FM). This paper conducts a bibliometric analysis of 122 papers from the perspective of data, model, and application to summarize the modes of IFC and ontology integration (IFCOI). This paper first analyzes the data and models of the integration from IFC data formats and ontology development models to the IfcOWL data model. Next, the application status is summed up from objective and phase dimensions, and four frequent applications with maturity are identified. Based on the aforementioned multi-dimensional analysis, three integration modes are summarized, taking into account various data interoperability requirements. Accordingly, ontology behaves as the representation of domain knowledge, an enrichment tool for IFC model semantics, and a linkage between IFC data and other heterogeneous data. Finally, this paper points out the challenges and opportunities for IFCOI in the data, domain ontology, and integration process and proposes a building lifecycle management model based on IFCOI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the manufacturing process of white wine, various physicochemical reactions can occur and can affect the quality of the finished product. For this reason, it is necessary to apply different treatments to minimize distinct factors such as protein instability and pinking phenomenon, which can affect the organoleptic properties of wines and their structure. In this work, a new method for the preparation of a sorbent-type material is presented through the fractional purification of native bentonite in three fractions (Na-BtF1, Na-BtF2, and Na-BtF3). Furthermore, the influence of the prepared sorbents on pH, conductivity, and amino nitrogen level was analyzed. The absorbents prepared and tested in wine solutions were characterized using the following physico-chemical methods: Brunauer–Emmett–Teller and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BET-BJH) method, X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, and transform-coupled infrared spectroscopy Fourier with attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR). Following the analyses carried out on the retention of protein content and polyphenolic compounds, it was found that materials based on natural clay have suitable adsorption properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immunosuppressive agents represent a broad group of drugs, such as calcineurin inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and glucocorticosteroids, among others. These drugs are widely used in a number of conditions, but lifelong therapy is crucial in the case of organ recipients to prevent rejection. To further increase the safety and efficacy of these agents, their off-target mechanisms of action, as well as processes underlying the pathogenesis of adverse effects, need to be thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of various combinations of cyclosporine/tacrolimus/mycophenolate with rapamycin and steroids (CRG, TRG, MRG), on the morphology and morphometry of rats' cardiomyocytes, together with the presence of cardiac collagen and the immunoexpression of MMPs and TIMPs. Methods: Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups receiving different immunosuppressive regiments. After six months of treatment, the hearts were collected and analyzed. Results: Cardiomyocytes from the CRG cohorts demonstrated the most pronounced morphological alterations. In addition, chronic immunosuppression reduced the width and length of cardiac cells. However, immunosuppressive therapy did not alter the presence of cardiac collagen fibers. Nevertheless, we observed significant alterations regarding MMP/TIMP homeostasis. Conclusions: Chronic immunosuppression seems to disturb the MMP/TIMP balance in aspects of immunolocalization in the hearts of rats. Further studies are required to analyze other mechanisms and pathways affected by the use of immunosuppressants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The π-stacking interaction is one of the most important intramolecular and intermolecular noncovalent interactions in organic chemistry. It plays an important role in stabilizing some structures and transition states in certain reactions via both intramolecular and intermolecular interactions, facilitating different selectivities, such as chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivities. This minireview focuses on the recent examples of the π-stacking interaction-controlled asymmetric synthesis, including auxiliary-induced asymmetric synthesis, kinetic resolution, asymmetric synthesis of helicenes and heterohelicenes, and multilayer 3D chiral molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organisms in nature have evolved a variety of surfaces with different tribological properties to adapt to the environment. By studying, understanding, and summarizing the friction and lubrication regulation phenomena of typical surfaces in nature, researchers have proposed various biomimetic friction regulation theories and methods to guide the development of new lubrication materials and lubrication systems. The design strategies for biomimetic friction/lubrication materials and systems mainly include the chemistry, surface structure, and mechanics. With the deepening understanding of the mechanism of biomimetic lubrication and the increasing application requirements, the design strategy of multi-strategy coupling has gradually become the center of attention for researchers. This paper focuses on the interfacial chemistry, surface structure, and surface mechanics of a single regulatory strategy and multi-strategy coupling approach. Based on the common biological friction regulation mechanism in nature, this paper reviews the research progress on biomimetic friction/lubrication materials in recent years, discusses and analyzes the single and coupled design strategies as well as their advantages and disadvantages, and describes the design concepts, working mechanisms, application prospects, and current problems of such materials. Finally, the development direction of biomimetic friction lubrication materials is prospected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high cost of manual weed control and the overuse of herbicides restrict the yield and quality of soybean. Intelligent mechanical weeding and precise application of pesticides can be used as effective alternatives for weed control in the field, and these require accurate distinction between crops and weeds. In this paper, images of soybean seedlings and weeds in different growth areas are used as datasets. In the aspect of soybean recognition, this paper designs a YOLOv8nGP algorithm with a backbone network optimisation based on GhostNet and an unconstrained pruning method with a 60% pruning rate. Compared with the original YOLOv8n, the YOLOv8nGP improves the Precision (P), Recall (R), and F1 metrics by 1.1% each, reduces the model size by 3.6 mb, and the inference time was 2.2 ms, which could meet the real-time requirements of field operations. In terms of weed recognition, this study utilises an image segmentation method based on the Normalized Excess Green Index (NExG). After filtering the soybean seedlings, the green parts of the image are extracted for weed recognition, which reduces the dependence on the diversity of the weed datasets. This study combines deep learning with traditional algorithms, which provides a new solution for weed recognition of soybean seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of pathological links among metabolic disorders, kidney ailments, and cardiovascular conditions has given rise to the concept of cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic (CKM) syndrome. Emerging prenatal risk factors seem to increase the likelihood of CKM syndrome across an individual's lifespan. The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) plays a crucial role in maternal–fetal health and maintaining homeostasis in cardiovascular, metabolic, and kidney functions. This review consolidates current preclinical evidence detailing how dysregulation of the RAS during pregnancy and lactation leads to CKM characteristics in offspring, elucidating the underlying mechanisms. The multi-organ effects of RAS, influencing fetal programming and triggering CKM traits in offspring, suggest it as a promising reprogramming strategy. Additionally, we present an overview of interventions targeting the RAS to prevent CKM traits. This comprehensive review of the potential role of the RAS in the early-life programming of CKM syndrome aims to expedite the clinical translation process, ultimately enhancing outcomes in cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Revolving Floating Crane (RFC) is a specialized engineering vessel crucial for offshore lifting operations, such as offshore platform construction and deep-water salvaging. It boasts impressive lifting capacity, good adaptability to various environmental conditions, and high operational efficiency. Conventionally, the safety and stability of RFC operations heavily depend on manual ballast water allocation, which is directly influenced by factors such as personnel status and sea conditions. These manual operations often result in reduced lifting efficiency, higher energy consumption, and compromised operational safety. In response, this paper introduces a ballast water-allocation approach based on the Point-to-Point (PTP) theory for the intelligent operation process of the RFC. The fundamental principles of the PTP theory are analyzed, and a method tailored to optimize ballast water allocation for RFC is proposed. Considering the unique characteristics of the ballast system and the specific requirements of lifting operations, an optimization model for PTP-based ballast water allocation is established. Numerical experiments are conducted to verify the efficacy and reliability of the proposed method. Comparing it to the conventional approaches, the results demonstrate a notable 17.75% reduction in energy consumption and an impressive 73.49% decrease in decision-making time, showcasing the superiority of the proposed approach. Finally, the engineering feasibility of the PTP-based optimization method for ballast water allocation is validated through actual lifting experiments, underscoring its potential to enhance RFC operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile and low-cost strategy to fabricate CsPbBr3 single crystals is essential for developing perovskite optoelectronic devices. Herein, we have presented a room temperature anti-solvent precipitate method for growing sub-centimeter-sized CsPbBr3 single crystals. The as-prepared CsPbBr3 single crystal has an orthorhombic structure, and phase transition occurs as the measured temperature increases. The as-grown CsPbBr3 single crystal also shows abundant surface morphologies including footsteps, precipitated crystals, cracks, and pits. Subsequently, a metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM)-structured photodetector was fabricated based on the CsPbBr3 single crystal. Under 525 nm green light illumination, the photodetector exhibits an obvious response and the photocurrent linearly increases with the increase in the light intensity. The rise time of the photodetector increases from 0.82 s to 2.19 s as the light intensity is enhanced from 15 mW/cm2 to 160 mW/cm2, indicating that more time is required to reach to a stable photocurrent. However, the decay time is as fast as ~0.82 ms, irrelevant of the light intensity. The photocurrent, under continuous light illumination, was further studied and this indicates that a stronger light intensity can accelerate the attenuation of the device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity has become a serious global public health risk threatening millions of people. In this study, the astaxanthin–anthocyanin nanoparticles (AXT-ACN NPs) were used to investigate their effects on the lipid accumulation and antioxidative capacity of the high-sugar-diet-induced high-fat Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). It can be found that the lifespan, motility, and reproductive capacity of the high-fat C. elegans were significantly decreased compared to the normal nematodes in the control group. However, treatment of high-fat C. elegans with AXT-ACN NPs resulted in a prolonged lifespan of 35 days, improved motility, and a 22.06% increase in total spawn production of the nematodes. Furthermore, AXT-ACN NPs were found to effectively extend the lifespan of high-fat C. elegans under heat and oxidative stress conditions. Oil-red O staining results also demonstrated that AXT-ACN NPs have a remarkable effect on reducing the fat accumulation in nematodes, compared with pure astaxanthin and anthocyanin nanoparticles. Additionally, AXT-ACN NPs can significantly decrease the accumulation of lipofuscin and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The activities of antioxidant-related enzymes in nematodes were further measured, which revealed that the AXT-ACN NPs could increase the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxidase dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and decrease the malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The astaxanthin and anthocyanin in AXT-ACN NPs showed sound synergistic antioxidation and lipid-lowering effects, making them potential components in functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 3d transition metal (Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)) complexes, supported by anions of sterically demanding β-diketones, 1,3-dimesitylpropane-1,3-dione (HLMes) and 1,3-bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-3-hydroxyprop-2-en-1-one (HLCF3), were synthesized and evaluated for their antitumor activity. To assess the biological effects of substituents on phenyl moieties, we also synthesized and investigated the analogous metal(II) complexes of the anion of the less bulky 1,3-diphenylpropane-1,3-dione (HLPh) ligand. The compounds [Cu(LCF3)2], [Cu(LMes)2] and ([Zn(LMes)2]) were characterized by X-ray crystallography. The [Cu(LCF3)2] crystallizes with an apical molecule of solvent (THF) and features a rare square pyramidal geometry at the Cu(II) center. The copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of diketonate ligands, derived from the deprotonated 1,3-dimesitylpropane-1,3-dione (HLMes), adopt a square planar or a tetrahedral geometry at the metal, respectively. We evaluated the antitumor properties of the newly synthesized (Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)) complexes against a series of human tumor cell lines derived from different solid tumors. Except for iron derivatives, cellular studies revealed noteworthy antitumor properties, even towards cancer cells endowed with poor sensitivity to the reference drug cisplatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, drug delivery has an important role in medical therapy. The use of biopolymers in developing drug delivery systems (DDSs) is increasingly attracting attention due to their remarkable and numerous advantages, in contrast to conventional polymers. Biopolymers have many advantages (biodegradability, biocompatibility, renewability, affordability, and availability), which are extremely important for developing materials with applications in the biomedical field. Additionally, biopolymers are appropriate when they improve functioning and have a number of positive effects on human life. Therefore, this review presents the most used biopolymers for biomedical applications, especially in drug delivery. In addition, by combining different biopolymers DDSs with tailored functional properties (e.g., physical properties, biodegradability) can be developed. This review summarizes and provides data on the progress of research on biopolymers (chitosan, alginate, starch, cellulose, albumin, silk fibroin, collagen, and gelatin) used in DDSs, their preparation, and mechanism of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]