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Abstract DC distribution networks (DCDNs) possess the advantages of high power efficiency, low operation loss, and favourable control flexibility, and are regarded as an essential form of future power distribution systems. In order to increase the voltage transient performance of DCDNs against disturbances, this paper proposes a methodology for realising the active voltage support control of DCDNs based on virtual inertia coordination. Firstly, the impact of the inertia of DCDNs towards the transient voltage change is analysed, and the active voltage support mechanism considering the variable droop inertia control and virtual DC motor inertia (VDCMI) control is explored. Then, a time sequence coordination strategy based on the voltage grading of DCDNs is developed, and an adaptive inertia coefficient is designed to achieve the inertia adjustment in terms of the voltage sag and recovery processes. Using MATLAB/Simulink, a detailed model of the double‐terminal DCDNs is created to check the efficacy of the proposed approach. Different voltage disturbance scenarios are imitated, and the comparative simulations demonstrate that the proposed approach can fully utilise the inertia potential of the DCDNs to suppress the voltage sag and smooth the voltage recovery procedure. The proposed method's validity and feasibility can be well validated. The cover image is based on the Original Article Investigation of active voltage support control approach of DC distribution networks based on virtual inertia coordination by Lei Chen et al., https://doi.org/10.1049/esi2.12123.

Background: This study aimed to examine the associations of thyroid hormone sensitivity indices, including free triiodothyronine-to-free thyroxine (FT3/FT4) ratio, thyroid feedback quantile-based index by FT4 (TFQIFT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone index (TSHI), and thyrotrophic thyroxine resistance index (TT4RI) with all-cause mortality in euthyroid adults. Methods: The study included 6243 euthyroid adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2012. FT3/FT4 ratio, TFQIFT4, TSHI, and TT4RI were calculated. The multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and subgroup analysis were conducted. Results: Individuals in fourth quartile (Q4) had lower all-cause mortality than those in first quartile (Q1) of FT3/FT4 ratio (hazard ratio (HR): 0.70, 95% CI: 0.51, 0.94). Regarding TFQIFT4, individuals in Q4 of TFQIFT4 had a 43% higher all-cause mortality than those in Q1 (HR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.96) (P < 0.05, all). Compared with participants in Q1, no associations of TSHI and TT4RI with mortality were found. TFQIFT4 was linearly and positively associated with mortality. However, the FT3/FT4 ratio showed a U-shaped association with mortality. Conclusions: Increased risk for all-cause mortality was positively associated with TFQIFT4, suggesting that increased risk for all-cause mortality was associated with decreased central sensitivity to thyroid hormones. Furthermore, the FT3/ FT4 ratio showed a U-shaped association with mortality, with an inflection point at 0.5. However, more cohort studies are needed to validate the conclusions.

Abstract Free-viewpoint video allows the user to view objects from any virtual perspective, creating an immersive visual experience. This technology enhances the interactivity and freedom of multimedia performances. However, many free-viewpoint video synthesis methods hardly satisfy the requirement to work in real time with high precision, particularly for sports fields having large areas and numerous moving objects. To address these issues, we propose a free-viewpoint video synthesis method based on distance field acceleration. The central idea is to fuse multi-view distance field information and use it to adjust the search step size adaptively. Adaptive step size search is used in two ways: for fast estimation of multi-object three-dimensional surfaces, and synthetic view rendering based on global occlusion judgement. We have implemented our ideas using parallel computing for interactive display, using CUDA and OpenGL frameworks, and have used real-world and simulated experimental datasets for evaluation. The results show that the proposed method can render free-viewpoint videos with multiple objects on large sports fields at 25 fps. Furthermore, the visual quality of our synthetic novel viewpoint images exceeds that of state-of-the-art neural-rendering-based methods.

Abstract Over the past decade, the role of the 14–3-3 protein has received increasing interest. Seven subtypes of 14–3-3 proteins exhibit high homology; however, each subtype maintains its specificity. The 14–3-3ε protein is involved in various physiological processes, including signal transduction, cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle regulation, repolarization of cardiac action, cardiac development, intracellular electrolyte homeostasis, neurodevelopment, and innate immunity. It also plays a significant role in the development and progression of various diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. These immense and various involvements of 14–3-3ε in diverse processes makes it a promising target for drug development. Although extensive research has been conducted on 14–3-3 dimers, studies on 14–3-3 monomers are limited. This review aimed to provide an overview of recent reports on the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of binding partners by 14–3-3ε, focusing on issues that could help advance the frontiers of this field. Video Abstract

An 8-year-old female child presented with patchy hair loss for 1 year, accompanied by eyebrow loss for 6 months. Microscopic examination of the hair confirmed the features of active stage alopecia areata, with a Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score of 70%. The diagnosis was severe alopecia areata. The patient had a history of atopic dermatitis since infancy, with recurrent episodes of scattered papules and pruritus for 8 years. Initial treatment involved subcutaneous injections of dupilumab 300mg every 2 weeks for 6 months, resulting in a reduction of SALT score to 20% and improvement of atopic dermatitis symptoms. Discontinuation of Dupilumab and initiation of daily oral Baricitinib at a dose of 2mg for a duration of 5 months. According to the SALT score evaluation, the severity of hair loss was less than 10% and there was significant regrowth of hair. No significant adverse reactions were observed during the treatment period.

Abstract Tumour cell dormancy is critical for metastasis and resistance to chemoradiotherapy. Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) with giant or multiple nuclei and high DNA content have the properties of cancer stem cell and single PGCCs can individually generate tumours in immunodeficient mice. PGCCs represent a dormant form of cancer cells that survive harsh tumour conditions and contribute to tumour recurrence. Hypoxic mimics, chemotherapeutics, radiation and cytotoxic traditional Chinese medicines can induce PGCCs formation through endoreduplication and/or cell fusion. After incubation, dormant PGCCs can recover from the treatment and produce daughter cells with strong proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities via asymmetric cell division. Additionally, PGCCs can resist hypoxia or chemical stress and have a distinct protein signature that involves chromatin remodelling and cell cycle regulation. Dormant PGCCs form the cellular basis for therapeutic resistance, metastatic cascade and disease recurrence. This review summarises regulatory mechanisms governing dormant cancer cells entry and exit of dormancy, which may be used by PGCCs, and potential therapeutic strategies for targeting PGCCs.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by infiltration of the blood and bone marrow, exhibiting a low remission rate and high recurrence rate. Current research has demonstrated that class I HDAC inhibitors can downregulate anti-apoptotic proteins, leading to apoptosis of AML cells. In the present investigation, we conducted structural modifications of marine cytotoxin Santacruzamate A (SCA), a compound known for its inhibitory activity towards HDACs, resulting in the development of a novel series of potent class I HDACs hydrazide inhibitors. Representative hydrazide-based compound 25c exhibited concentration-dependent induction of apoptosis in AML cells as a single agent. Moreover, 25c exhibited a synergistic anti-AML effect when combined with Venetoclax, a clinical Bcl-2 inhibitor employed in AML therapy. This combination resulted in a more pronounced downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL, along with a significant upregulation of the pro-apoptotic protein cleaved-caspase3 and the DNA double-strand break biomarker γ-H2AX compared to monotherapy. These results highlighted the potential of 25c as a promising lead compound for AML treatment, particularly when used in combination with Venetoclax.