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Background/purpose: South Asia and Southeast Asia are the regions with relatively high and increased disease burden of oral cancer. The purpose of this study was to analyze the scientometric characteristics of oral cancer research in these regions. Materials and methods: There are 8 countries from South Asia and 11 countries from Southeast Asia. All the articles on oral cancer from these countries were retrieved in the Scopus database. Results: A total of 5660 articles originated from South Asia (n = 4718) and Southeast Asia (n = 942). India (n = 4302; 91.2%) was the country publishing most articles on oral cancer in South Asia, and Malaysia (n = 355; 37.7%) was first in Southeast Asia. Tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and areca nut as risk factors were common keywords, attention should be paid to them while developing polices for oral cancer control. In India, the most topic including distinctive keywords was diagnostics (sensitivity/specificity, saliva, and predictive value), followed by molecular biology (antioxidants, lipid peroxidation, and glutathione), experimental in vivo (hamster and cheek pouch), and risk factor (smokeless tobacco). In Malaysia, the most topic containing keywords was molecular biology followed by epidemiology and drug research. Conclusion: This study for the first time reported the scientometric characteristics of oral cancer research in South Asia (India) and Southeast Asia (Malaysia). It is essential to improve the public awareness of risk factors control to reduce the oral cancer burden, especially in low-and middle-income countries.

Land use influences soil biota community composition and diversity, and then belowground ecosystem processes and functions. To characterize the effect of land use on soil biota, soil nematode communities in crop land, forest land and fallow land were investigated in six regions of northern China. Generic richness, diversity, abundance and biomass of soil nematodes was the lowest in crop land. The richness and diversity of soil nematodes were 28.8 and 15.1% higher in fallow land than in crop land, respectively. No significant differences in soil nematode indices were found between forest land and fallow land, but their network keystone genera composition was different. Among the keystone genera, 50% of forest land genera were omnivores-predators and 36% of fallow land genera were bacterivores. The proportion of fungivores in forest land was 20.8% lower than in fallow land. The network complexity and the stability were lower in crop land than forest land and fallow land. Soil pH, NH4+-N and NO3−-N were the major factors influencing the soil nematode community in crop land while soil organic carbon and moisture were the major factors in forest land. Soil nematode communities in crop land influenced by artificial management practices were more dependent on the soil environment than communities in forest land and fallow land. Land use induced soil environment variation and altered network relationships by influencing trophic group proportions among keystone nematode genera.

Safety in the coal mining industry is a long-standing issue. With the implementation of intelligent construction in coal mines, humans–machine collaboration is critical to accident prevention. We investigate the psychological dynamics among miners during intelligent construction by developing distinct evolutionary game models for miner security collaboration mechanisms, while also considering the level of trust in automation. We explore the impact of changes in automation trust on the human–machine security collaboration behaviour among miners as well as the regulatory strategies adopted by coal mining enterprises. Evidently, the current level of automation trust among miners is insufficient to ensure safety, and the safety management systems of coal mining enterprises are yet to reach a stable state. Examination of the relevant parameters using specific examples reveals that the optimal range for the level of automation trust among miners lies between 0.7 and 0.9, indicating a favourable coal mine safety production system. These conclusions provide a scientific foundation for effectively enhancing safety management in the context of intelligent construction in coal mines.

Global climate change presents substantial threats to marine ecosystems, with particularly profound impacts on widely distributed migratory species. The basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus), the second-largest fish species, faces significant conservation challenges due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change, necessitating urgent research to address knowledge gaps in its spatial distribution and interactions with changing marine environments. This study employs various environmental variables and distribution data to construct a global species distribution model for basking sharks, predicting their distribution patterns under current and future climate scenarios. The results indicate that chlorophyll, sea surface temperature, silicate and mixed layer depth are the primary factors determining habitat suitability for basking sharks. Under high-emission scenarios (Shared Socioeconomic Pathway, SSP5–8.5), our model predicts a shift toward the higher latitudes of the northern hemisphere in basking shark habitats, including temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Ecological corridor analysis identifies critical migratory pathways and pinch points, emphasizing the importance of incorporating the effects of climate change and human activities in the formulation of conservation strategies. The finding underscores the importance of integrated conservation strategies, highlighting how positive human interventions can aid in accurately identifying critical ecological corridors to ensure the long-term survival of the basking shark. Adaptive, science-based conservation measures are crucial to mitigating the effects of climate change and human activities, supporting the resilience of marine ecosystems.

Background: Mycobacterium abscessus skin infections have emerged as a major medical issue. Traditional antibiotic treatments are challenging, prolonged, and often lead to recurrence, creating an urgent need for new therapies. This study investigates the effectiveness of aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) combined with antibiotics in treatmenting M. abscessus, using both in vitro and in vivo methods. Methods: We treated eight patients with M. abscessus skin infections following cosmetic surgery, using ALA-PDT (ALA concentration: 20 %; red light: 80 J/cm2) combined with oral or intravenous antibiotics,including clarithromycin, moxifloxacin and amikacin, to treat 8 patients with M. abscessus skin infection after medical cosmetic surgery, and assessed the treatment outcomes. Additionally, four bacterial strains (MAB-A1, MAB-A2, MAB-B1, and MAB-B2) isolated from patients were tested in vitro for ALA-PDT efficacy to determine the optimal ALA-PDT dosage. Furthermore, the strains’ single colony morphology, biofilm formation, and genome characteristics of were analyzed to explore the factors influencing ALA-PDT's bactericidal effects. Finally, a combined ALA-PDT and antibiotics sterilization experiment was conducted in vitro. Results: Clinically, ALA-PDT combined with antibiotics showed strong efficacy in treating M. abscessus skin infections, with no recurrence observed during follow-up. In vitro, ALA-PDT effectively killed M. abscessus, although MAB-B1 and MAB-B2 required a higher ALA-PDT dose compared with MAB-A1 and MAB-A2. Compared to MAB-A1 and MAB-A2, MAB-B1 and MAB-B2 exhibited stronger biofilm formation capabilities and bacterial virulence as well as genome mutations primarily affecting fatty acid synthesis and metabolism, potentially explaining their increased ALA-PDT dosage requirement. Notably, the combination of ALA-PDT and antibiotics exerted markedly higher bactericidal effects in vitro compared with antibiotics alone. Conclusions: ALA-PDT combined with antibiotics emerged as an effective treatment for M. abscessus skin infections. However, optimal dosage and antibiotic combinations should be tailored to the characteristics of specific clinical strains.

Magnetized water (MW) technology uses a magnetic field to affect the dipole moment of water molecules, changing the hydrogen bonding between them. As a result, the physical and chemical properties of water are altered. MW has the potential to reduce the need for admixtures and cement while preserving the desired strength and workability of concrete. However, the exact mechanisms by which different magnetization conditions improve concrete properties remain unclear. This study explored the effects of magnetic field intensity and water flow velocity on the workability and compressive strength of concrete using a custom-built magnetization device. Twelve distinct MWs were prepared under varying magnetic field intensities (210, 230, 250, and 270 mT) and water flow velocities (0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 m/s), and the performance of the concrete was assessed by slump and compressive strength tests. Additionally, the physicochemical properties of the MW were examined. The research results indicated the presence of significant interactions between the magnetization parameters. When the water was magnetized at a flow velocity of 0.7 m/s, and combined with magnetic field intensities of 210 and 230 mT, both physicochemical properties of MW and the mechanical performance of the MW concrete were optimally enhanced. Under the conditions of a magnetic field intensity of 210 mT and flow velocity of 0.7 m/s, the workability and compressive strength of the concrete prepared with MW improved by 30.4 % and 13.7 %, respectively. These findings highlighted the importance of considering the combined effects of magnetization parameters when optimizing the mechanical properties of MW concrete.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by cisplatin (DDP), which is accompanied with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is a severe side effect during treatment and restricts the application of DDP. In this study, we develop ultrasmall Mn3O4 nanozyme (UMON) with tumor microenvironment (TME) responsive ROS scavenging and generating as adjuvant to alleviate DDP induced AKI with improved efficacy. In kidney, UMON with superoxide dismutase and catalase activity acts as ROS scavenger to eliminate ROS generated by DDP, successfully protecting the renal cells/tissue and alleviating AKI during DDP treatment. Alternatively, UMON rapidly responses to the high GSH level in TME and release Mn2+ in tumor. This unique feature endows it to generate hydroxyl radicals (∙OH) through a Fenton-like reaction and deplete GSH in tumor cell and tissue, achieving high efficient chemodynamic therapy (CDT). More importantly, the Mn2+ successfully activates the cGAS-STING pathway, initiating the immune response and effectively inhibiting the tumor metastases. The synergistic CDT and immune therapy effectively improve the anti-tumor efficacy of DDP in vitro and in vivo. This study demonstrates that TME responsive ROS scavenger/generator shows the potential to reduce side effects of DDP while improve its therapeutic efficacy, providing a new avenue to achieve efficient chemotherapy and promoting the progress of clinical chemotherapy.

Beef flavor plays a crucial role in consumer preference, yet research on this trait has been limited by past technological constraints. Intramuscular fat (IMF) is a key determinant of beef quality, influencing taste, marbling, and overall flavor. Xinjiang brown cattle (XBC), an indigenous breed from northern Xinjiang, China, presents significant variation in meat quality, with IMF content ranging from 0.2 % to 4.3 % within the population. This variation suggests strong potential for breeding improvement. In this study, we selected 82 XBC for slaughter and meat quality analysis, categorizing them based on IMF content. Using two-dimensional gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOF MS), we analyzed volatile flavor compounds across different beef cuts (Longissimus dorsi, Semitendinosus, Supraspinatus). Our results showed that beef with higher IMF levels exhibited enhanced flavor profiles, characterized by sweet, green, fruity, and waxy notes, while castrated bulls displayed the weakest flavor intensity. Metabolomic analysis further revealed significant differences in flavor substances between high and low IMF content beef. RNA-Seq analysis identified key genes (AQP4, FZD2, FADS1, BPG1, CEBPD, FABP4) associated with flavor formation, offering valuable insights for breeding strategies aimed at improving XBC meat quality. This comprehensive study provides a robust theoretical foundation for advancing the genetic improvement of XBC.

Long-term continuous cropping can lead to the deterioration of soil environment and the decrease of soil productivity. However, the biological mechanism on the negative effects of long-term continuous cropping has not been extensively explored. Soil nematode food web with multiple trophic levels play critical roles in nutrient cycling and energy flowing in the agroecosystem. Quantifying the carbon flux through different trophic channels within the nematode food web can indicate how continuous cropping influences carbon cycling in the agroecosystem by altering soil biota communities. Therefore, the effects of continuous peanut cropping with different years (1, 5, 20, and 30 years) on soil properties, soil nematode community composition, carbon flux within nematode food web and crop yields were investigated. Results showed that soil pH significantly decreased with increasing continuous cropping years. Differently, soil organic carbon and total nitrogen were the highest in 20-year, and decreased in 30-year of continuous cropping. As continuous cropping years increased, the relative abundance of microbivorous nematodes decreased and that of plant parasites reached as high as 76.11 % and 68.22 % in 20- and 30-year, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis revealed the nematode diversity, the carbon flux uniformity and peanut yield had a significant negative correlation with continuous cropping years. The random forest model indicated that the soil pH and the relative abundance of plant parasites were the key influence factor of the carbon flux uniformity within soil nematode food web. Outbreaks of plant parasites lead to the disruption of carbon flux uniformity within soil nematode food web, which can increase the risk of peanut yield decline after long-term continuous cropping. In conclusion, continuous peanut cropping changed soil properties, reduced soil nematode diversity, and disturbed the multitrophic carbon flux complementarity and uniformity in soil nematode food web, ultimately limiting the crop productivity. This study enhances our understanding of the importance of the resource transfers among soil food web in maintaining sustainable agroecosystem productivity.

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to explore effects of Lonicerae flos and Rhomoma curcumae longae extracts (LR) on intestinal function of broilers. Three hundred broiler chickens were randomly assigned to the following 5 groups. The control group were fed the basal diet; the antibiotic group were fed the basal diet supplemented with spectinomycin hydrochloride (50 million units/ton) + lincomycin hydrochloride (25 g/ton); the LRH, LRM and LRL groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with a high dose (750 g/ton of feed), normal dose (500 g/ton of feed), or low dose (250 g/ton of feed) of LR, respectively. The changes of intestinal structure, intestinal digestive enzyme activities, antioxidant enzyme activities, inflammatory cytokines, and bacterial abundances in the colon and cecum contents were determined. The results indicated that compared with the control group and the antibiotic group, LR significantly increased the villus length/crypt depth (VCR) of the intestine, and significantly inhibited oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the broiler intestine. In addition, LR regulated intestinal function by increasing the abundance of the intestinal microorganisms in broilers. In conclusion, LR improved antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and microorganisms, and inhibited inflammatory response. The effect of high and medium doses of LR was better than lower doses.

Osteoporotic fractures have become a common public health problem and are usually accompanied by chronic pain. Mg and Mg-based alloys are considered the next-generation orthopedic implants for their excellent osteogenic inductivity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. However, Mg-based alloy can initiate aberrant activation of osteoclasts and modulate sensory innervation into bone callus resulting in postoperative pain at the sequential stage of osteoporotic fracture healing. Its mechanism is going to be investigated. Strontium hydrogen phosphate (SrHPO4) coating to delay the Mg-based alloy degradation, can reduce the osteoclast formation and inhibit the growth of sensory nerves into bone callus, dorsal root ganglion hyperexcitability, and pain hypersensitivity at the early stage. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics analysis of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) treated with SrHPO4-coated Mg alloy extracts shows the potential effect of increased metabolite levels of AICAR (an activator of the AMPK pathway). We demonstrate a possible modulated secretion of AICAR and osteoclast differentiation from BMMs, which inhibits sensory innervation and postoperative pain through the AMPK/mTORc1/S6K pathway. Importantly, supplementing with AICAR in Mg-activated osteoclasts attenuates postoperative pain. These results suggest that Mg-induced postoperative pain is related to the osteoclastogenesis and sensory innervation at the early stage in the osteoporotic fractures and the SrHPO4 coating on Mg-based alloys can reduce the pain by upregulating AICAR secretion from BMMs or preosteoclasts.

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) and extrusion are effective methods to improve the nutritional and sensory quality of rice bran. The effect of the processing sequence of SSF and extrusion and microbial strains on the quality of rice bran was studied. The results showed that the first SSF followed by extrusion increased the contents of phenolic, flavonoid and γ-oryzanol, but the color changed to brown. The first extrusion followed by SSF caused damage to bioactive components and antioxidant activity, but significantly increased the content of arabinoxylans. The difference between the two processing sequences may be related to the process time and the effect of substrate on microbial induction. Aspergillus oryzae and Neurospora sitophila were suitable for increasing the bioactive components of rice bran, while Lactiplantibacillus plantarum was suitable for increasing water-extractable arabinoxylan content. Different processing sequences and microbial strains have their advantages, and these results can provide reference for rice bran processing.

Introduction: Although colon (COAD) and rectal adenocarcinoma (READ) combined to refer to colorectal cancer (CRC), substantial clinical evidence urged that CRC should be treated as two different cancers due to compared with READ, COAD showed higher morbidity and worse 5-year survival. Objectives: This study has tried to screen for the crucial gene that caused the worse prognosis and investigate its mechanism for mediating tumor growth and metastases in COAD. Meanwhile, the potential anti-COAD compound implicated in this mechanism was identified and testified from 1,855 food-borne chemical kits. This study aims to bring a new perspective to the development of new anti-COAD drugs and personalized medicine for patients with COAD. Methods and results: The survival-related hub genes in COAD and READ were screened out from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the results showed that HIGD1A, lower expressed in COAD than in READ, was associated with poor prognosis in COAD patients, but not in READ. Over-expressed HIGD1A suppressed CRC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, the different expressed microRNA profiles between COAD and READ showed that miR-501-3p was highly expressed in COAD and inhibited HIGD1A expression by targeting 3′UTR of HIGD1A. MiR-501-3p mimics promoted cell proliferation and metastasis in CRC cells. In addition, Procyanidin C1 (PCC1), a kind of natural polyphenol has been verified as a potential miR-501-3p inhibitor. In vitro and in vivo, PCC1 promoted HIGD1A expression by suppressing miR-501-3p and resulted in inhibited tumor growth and metastasis. Conclusion: The present study verified that miR-501-3p/HIGD1A axis mediated tumor growth and metastasis in COAD. PCC1, a flavonoid that riched in food exerts anti-COAD effects by inhibiting miR-501-3p and results in the latter losing the ability to suppress HIGD1A expression. Subsequently, unfettered HIGD1A inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in COAD.

This paper focuses on the dynamic compaction experimental investigation of ADC12 alloy powder using laser impact, leveraging the high strain rate and controllable precision of pulsed lasers. The effects of varying laser energy (Em) and impactor thickness on the relative density, microstructure, and microhardness of the ADC12 alloy powder billets were examined. Utilizing 2D multi-particle finite element simulation (2D MPFEM), the densification mechanism of these billets was analysed with the help of coordination numbers. The simulation also provided insights into the particle velocity, equivalent plastic strain, and adiabatic temperature increase during compaction. Key findings include that a relative densification of up to 97.27% in the billets is achievable when the laser energy reaches 6J. Notably, a decrease in impactor thickness at constant laser energy leads to a more uniform microstructure and microhardness in the billet. Simulations with the 2D MPFEM demonstrate that thinner impactors allow billets to absorb more energy, thereby increasing particle velocity and plastic strain. This enhances both the relative density and mechanical properties of the billets. The simulation explores the stress distribution during compaction and captures the adiabatic temperature rise on the surface of the pressed billet that occurs in the transient, which is consistent with experimental revelations that heat softens or even locally melts the particles to produce sintering. This study offers new insights into the formation process of these billets from a microstructural standpoint, elucidating the relationship between processing conditions and the resulting material properties.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a globally important oil crop. Web blotch is one of the most important foliar diseases affecting peanut, which results in serious yield losses worldwide. Breeding web blotch-resistant peanut varieties is the most effective and economically viable method for minimizing yield losses due to web blotch. In the current study, a bulked segregant analysis with next-generation sequencing was used to analyze an F2:3 segregating population and identify candidate loci related to web blotch resistance. Based on the fine-mapping of the candidate genomic interval using kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers, we identified a novel web blotch resistance-related locus spanning approximately 169 kb on chromosome 16. This region included four annotated genes, of which only Arahy.35VVQ3 had a non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism in the coding region between the two parents. Two markers (Chr.16.12872635 and Chr.16.12966357) linked to this gene were shown to be co-segregated with the resistance of peanut web blotch by 72 randomly selected recombinant inbred lines (RIL), which could be used in marker-assisted breeding of resistant peanut varieties.

Difficult-to-form materials and complex mold characteristics have an important effect on the fittability and mechanical properties of microforming components. This study focuses on the fittability and mechanical properties of laser shock liquid warm microforming based on AZ31B magnesium alloy foils and a complex microcamera shell die. The characteristics of formed parts under varying temperatures and laser energies were discussed. Single-pulse and double-pulse forming experiments were conducted and compared. At 140 °C and 1260 mJ, double-pulse forming achieved a maximum depth of 184.5 μm, demonstrating near-perfect workpiece conformity to the die. In contrast, single-pulse forming did not achieve such results. This implies that double-pulse forming notably improves the fittability of workpieces and effectively mitigates springback. Finite element simulations corroborate the experimental findings. Moreover, simulation elucidates phenomena observed during experiments, including springback and crack formation. Additionally, the study delves into the microhardness, thickness distribution, and surface roughness of the formed parts. The results indicate that double-pulse forming yields workpieces with superior microhardness, reduced roughness, and a more uniform thickness distribution. Microstructural analysis reveals that grain refinement and substantial occurrence of twinning in the double-pulse forming process are the primary factors contributing to enhanced plasticity. The study also conducts a failure analysis of formed parts at room temperature, revealing the presence of numerous river patterns and cleavage planes, indicative of brittle fracture. Conversely, warm forming avoids fracture failure.

Nowadays, MRI diagnostics have become indispensable in modern medicine, and the development of MRI-compatible materials is an urgent requirement for both modern medicine and materials science. Herein, MRI-compatible Zr–Mo–Nb alloys were developed by plasma arc melting and hot rolling process for biomedical applications. The Nb addition induces the composition segregation, β-Zr phase precipitations, and significant grain refinements in Zr–1Mo-xNb alloys, thereby contributing to an ultrafine α+β lamellar structure in hot-rolled (HRed) Zr–1Mo–3Nb alloys. Thanks to the nano-sized α+β lamellar structure, a high yield strength (YS) of 819.6 ± 20.9 MPa and an acceptable elongation of 11.8 ± 1% were realized in the HRed Zr–1Mo–3Nb alloy. Additionally, the incorporation of Nb with a high PB ratio and a relatively high equilibrium potential in the Zr–1Mo matrix enhances the stability of the passivation layer, leading to a more positive corrosion potential. Consequently, this significantly improves the corrosion resistance of HRed Zr–1Mo-xNb alloys. The Zr–1Mo–3Nb alloy exhibits lower magnetic susceptibility than the Zr–1Mo alloy, indicating improved MRI compatibility. Moreover, the HRed Zr–1Mo-xNb alloy shows excellent cytocompatibility to MC3T3-E1 cells, and good hemocompatibility of the experimental alloys were confirmed by the blood compatibility test. These findings highlight the potential of the MRI-compatible Zr–1Mo–3Nb alloy as a promising material for implants and devices in MRI environments, offering superior mechanical performance, high corrosion resistance and good biocompatibility.

Dishevelled 2 (Dvl2) is a key mediator of the Wingless/Wnt signaling pathway that regulates cell proliferation, migration, and immune function. However, little is known about the role of macrophage Dvl2 in modulating NOD1-mediated pyroptosis and hepatocyte death in oxidative stress-induced inflammatory liver injury. In a mouse model of oxidative stress-induced liver inflammation, mice with myeloid-specific Dvl2 knockout (Dvl2M−KO) displayed exacerbated ischemia/reperfusion (IR) stress-induced hepatocellular damage with increased serum ALT levels, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory mediators. Unlike in Dvl2FL/FL controls, Dvl2M−KO enhanced NOD1, caspase-1, GSDMD, and NF-κB activation in liver macrophages after IR. Interestingly, IR stress enhanced YAP colocalized with HSF1 in Dvl2FL/FL macrophages, while macrophage Dvl2 deficiency reduced YAP and HSF1 colocalization in the nucleus under inflammatory conditions. Importantly, Dvl2 deletion diminished nuclear YAP interacted with HSF1 and augmented NOD1/caspase-1 and GSDMD activation in response to inflammatory stimulation. However, Dvl2 activation increased YAP interaction with HSF1 and activated HSF1 target gene eEF2, inhibiting NOD1/caspase-1, GSDMD, and NF-κB activity. Moreover, macrophage eEF2 deletion increased the NOD1-caspase-1 interaction, GSDMD activation, HMGB1 release, and hepatocyte LDH release after macrophage/hepatocyte co-culture. Adoptive transfer of eEF2-expressing macrophages in Dvl2M−KO mice alleviated IR-triggered liver inflammation and hepatocellular damage. Therefore, macrophage Dvl2 deficiency promotes NOD1-mediated pyroptosis and exacerbates IR-induced hepatocellular death by disrupting the YAP-HSF1 axis. eEF2 is crucial for modulating NOD1-driven pyroptosis, inflammatory response, and hepatocyte death. Our findings underscore a novel role of macrophage Dvl2 in modulating liver inflammatory injury and imply the therapeutic potential in organ IRI and transplant recipients.

The widespread use of plasticizers like phthalate esters (PAEs) has led to environmental and health concerns. The neurobehavioral toxicity of these compounds in marine environments, particularly regulated by the “brain-gut” axis, remains unclear, especially concerning wild demersal fish of high ecological value. Our investigation into the behavioral effects of three common PAEs, i.e., dimethyl phthalate (DMP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and their molecular mechanisms on juvenile Sebastes schlegelii, revealed alarming results from molecular to population levels. After a 20-day foodborne exposure at a low marine environmental concentration (1.0 μg g−1), we observed that all three PAEs significantly increased the thigmotaxis (behavioral tendency to stay close to physical boundaries) and mobility of juvenile fish by 28.2–59.4 % and 23.3–74.5 %, respectively, indicating anxiety-like behavior of fish. DEHP exhibited the most pronounced effects, followed by DBP and DMP. PAEs accumulated in the juvenile fish in the order of brain > liver > gut > muscle, with DEHP showing the highest brain concentrations (23.2 ± 2.98 μg g−1). This accumulation led to oxidative damage, inflammatory responses, and neurodegenerative changes in the optic tectum, resulting in cholinergic system dysfunction. In the gut, PAEs caused inflammatory lesions, disrupted the gut barrier, and altered the gut microbiome, exacerbating the neurotoxicity via “brain-gut” communication. These findings underscore the significant neurobehavioral toxicity of PAEs, emphasizing their critical impact on fish behavior. We also stress the crucial need for further research on fish and other marine species beyond the laboratory scale to fully understand the broader implications of PAE exposure in marine ecosystems and to guide future conservation efforts.

Drought has a significant impact on crop growth and productivity, highlighting the critical need for precise and timely soil moisture estimation to mitigate agricultural losses. This study focuses on soil moisture retrieval in northern Hebei Province during July 2012, utilizing eight widely employed remote sensing drought indices derived from MODIS satellite data. These indices were cross-referenced with measured soil moisture levels for analysis. Based on their correlation coefficients, a composite remote sensing drought index set comprising six indices was identified. Furthermore, a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) was employed to estimate soil relative humidity. The accuracy evaluation of the soil moisture estimation model, which integrates multiple remote sensing drought indices and the RBFNN, demonstrated clear superiority over models relying on single drought indices. The model achieved an average estimation accuracy of 87.54 % for soil relative humidity at a depth of 10 cm (SM10) and 87.36 % for a 20 cm depth (SM20). The root mean square errors (RMSE) for the test sets were 0.093 and 0.092, respectively. Validation results for July 2013 indicated that the inversion accurately reflected the actual soil moisture conditions, effectively capturing dynamic moisture changes. These results fully verify the reliability and practicability of the model. These findings introduce a novel approach to local agricultural soil moisture estimation, with significant implications for enhancing agricultural water resource management and decision-making processes.

Meniscus is an important structure within the knee to maintain stability and load gravity distribution. Compared with meniscectomy, timely meniscal repair can reduce the risk of knee regression and laxity. Various methods have been studied to repair the meniscus. Among them, the outside-in technique is appropriate to repair anterior and middle segments of the meniscus. A number of modifications of this technique have been described in previous literatures. However, it still has disadvantages, such as complex intra-articular maneuvers, requiring extra devices sometimes. Therefore, we have developed the modified outside-in technique using thin steel wire to introduce the suture from the outside to the inside and then to the outside. We then make a knot outside the capsule. The advantages of our technique are that it is easy to perform, is reproducible, and avoids making multiple intra-articular suture loops.

Summary: Metabolic reprogramming is crucial for activating innate immunity in macrophages, and the accumulation of immunometabolites is essential for effective defense against infection. The NAD+/NADH (ratio of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and its reduced counterpart) redox couple serves as a critical node that integrates metabolic pathways and signaling events, but how this metabolite couple engages macrophage activation remains unclear. Here, we show that the NAD+/NADH ratio serves as a molecular signal that regulates proinflammatory responses and type I interferon (IFN) responses divergently. Salmonella Typhimurium infection leads to a decreased NAD+/NADH ratio by inducing the accumulation of NADH. Further investigation shows that an increased NAD+/NADH ratio correlates with attenuated proinflammatory responses and enhanced type I IFN responses. Conversely, a decreased NAD+/NADH ratio is linked to intensified proinflammatory responses and restrained type I IFN responses. These results show that the NAD+/NADH ratio is an essential cell-intrinsic factor that orchestrates innate immunity, which enhances our understanding of how metabolites fine-tune innate immunity.

With the wide application of the Internet of Things (IoT), storing large amounts of IoT data and protecting data privacy has become a meaningful issue. In general, the access control mechanism is used to prevent illegal users from accessing private data. However, traditional data access control schemes face some non-ignorable problems, such as only supporting coarse-grained access control, the risk of centralization, and high trust issues. In this paper, an attribute-based data access control scheme using blockchain technology is proposed. To address these problems, attribute-based encryption (ABE) has become a promising solution for encrypted data access control. Firstly, we utilize blockchain technology to construct a decentralized access control scheme, which can grant data access with transparency and traceability. Furthermore, our scheme also guarantees the privacy of policies and attributes on the blockchain network. Secondly, we optimize an ABE scheme, which makes the size of system parameters smaller and improves the efficiency of algorithms. These optimizations enable our proposed scheme supports large attribute universe requirements in IoT environments. Thirdly, to prohibit attribute impersonation and attribute replay attacks, we design a challenge-response mechanism to verify the ownership of attributes. Finally, we evaluate the security and performance of the scheme. And comparisons with other related schemes show the advantages of our proposed scheme. Compared to existing schemes, our scheme has more comprehensive advantages, such as supporting a large universe, full security, expressive policy, and policy hiding.

This paper presents the results, insights and challenges of a small-scale laboratory implementation of a virtual storage plant (VSP) and the distributed control of its portfolio for frequency restoration services. The proposed framework has been experimentally validated using a controller-hardware-in-the-loop setup consisting of 5 battery storage systems, a hydraulic turbine-generator and a real-time digital simulator. The results show that the performance of the VSP whose assets are controlled by the proposed framework is compliant with the grid code requirements regarding manual and automatic frequency restoration service. Furthermore, this paper reveals novel insight into the practical implementation challenges of consensus-based distributed control due to time delays and communication synchronization.

The thin film composite (TFC) membrane possesses the highest commercial application potential among all types of forward osmosis (FO) membranes. The support layer of the membrane plays a crucial role in both bearing mechanical loads and facilitating the active layer formation. Herein, we addressed the issues of low permeability and poor mechanical strength of the conventional TFC FO membrane by selecting suitable fabrics and optimizing membrane design and preparation. Polyester (PS) woven fabric, with its high strength, low thickness, and high porosity, served as an excellent material for reinforcing the strength of the FO membrane. We employed a novel double-blade casting method to address the defect issue associated with the conventional single-blade casting method. The influencing factors and quality control strategies of the fabric-reinforced substrate were systematically investigated. Furthermore, membrane characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), liquid-liquid displacement porometer, and cross-flow FO system, were used to reveal the influences of different substrates, including polysulfone (PSU), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and polyetherimide (PEI), on the structure and performance of the fabric-reinforced TFC-FO membrane. Compared to commercial FO membranes, the TFC/PSU membrane exhibited superior FO performance, with a water flux of 24.1 LMH, and outstanding mechanical strength that was more than 10-times higher than that of free-standing membranes. This study demonstrates a new pathway for engineering robust TFC-FO membranes with low structural parameters as well as excellent scalability of the membrane fabrication method.

In the face of various risks and uncertainties including political instability, technological advancements, and natural disasters, businesses involved in cross-market activities are encountering a more competitive environment. This study investigates the relationship between competitive intensity, business intelligence, internal process efficiency, and the performance of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in China. By incorporating the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework and Dynamic Capabilities Theory, a research model is developed to demonstrate that competitive intensity improves firms’ performance through the utilization of business intelligence capabilities and internal process efficiency. Through the use of a structural equation model, data collected from 15 industrial parks in Henan province, China, involving 429 participants, was analyzed. The findings show a positive correlation between competitive intensity and business intelligence sensing capability (both internal and external). The impact of business intelligence sensing capability on the performance of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises is shown to be mediated through internal process efficiency. Our study reveals the mediating roles of business intelligence capability and internal process efficiency in improving organizational performance among Chinese small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises. This research not only fills gaps in business intelligence research from a management perspective but also contributes to the literature on the interactions among competitive intensity, business intelligence, internal processes, and organizational performance. It also sheds light on the relationship between competitive intensity and organizational performance, offering insights for companies involved in cross-market activities. By highlighting the importance of business intelligence capabilities in adapting to environmental influences, this study offers practical guidance for enterprise digital transformation efforts.

Improving mechanical properties of solder alloy can result in a decrease of its conductivity. The decrease in conductivity of the solder increases the generation of Joule heat and reduces the reliability of the joint. This problem can be solved by adjusting the solidification parameters of solders. In this paper, the effect of the growth rate (V) on the microstructure evolution, microhardness and electrical conductivity of directionally solidified (DS) Sn-0.7Cu-xCo (x = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, mass %) alloys was investigated. The Sn-0.7Cu-xCo alloys consists of a Sn-based solid solution (Sn-ss), Cu6Sn5 phase, and CoSn2 phase. The volume fraction of the CoSn2 phase increases with increasing Co content. In the DS specimen, the CoSn2 phases change from block-shaped to a long strip shape with a long axis direction close to the heat flow direction. With increasing V, the growth direction tends to become disordered due to the weakening of the heat flow effect. The microhardness of DS Sn-0.7Cu-xCo alloys increases with increasing V due to an increase of solution strengthening effect. The microhardness of DS Sn-0.7Cu-xCo alloys increases with increasing Co content under the same V. The conductivity of the DS Sn-0.7Cu-xCo alloys decreases with increasing V. The conductivity of the DS Sn-0.7Cu-xCo alloy is even better than that of the as-cast Sn-0.7Cu alloy when V ≤ 20 μm/s. The findings in the research provide a new way to improve the strength of solder without reducing its conductivity.

Objective: Bentall procedure used to be standard operation for involved aortic root in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). But aortic root repair for preserving valve is still controversial in ATAAD. This study aimed to evaluate the midterm outcomes of aortic root repair by comparing with Bentall approach. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 1075 ATAAD patients with aortic root involvement was conducted. The patients were divided into aortic root repair group (n = 447) and Bentall group (n = 628). The propensity score matching analysis (PSMA) was used to adjust the baseline. Results: The median follow-up was 44 months (interquartile range, 17–65 months; range, 1–130 months). The 30-day mortality in the repair and replacement groups was 15.0 % and 12.9 % (P = 0.327) respectively; the late overall mortality was 15.9 % and 14.0 % (P = 0.394) respectively. The Kaplan-Meier 10-year survival and free-from-reoperation was 86.0 % and 92.5 % respectively in the repair group. After PSMA, the cumulative survival rate [Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.685; 95 % Confidence Interval (CI) 0.457–1.027; P = 0.747]) and reoperation rate (HR 0.308; 95 % CI 0.070–1.355; P = 0.157) was not significantly higher in the repair group than in the Bentall group. Conclusion: The mid-term outcome of aortic root repair is probably not inferior to Bentall procedure. Therefore, root repair is an alternative approach in ATAAD with the advantage of preserving native valve.

In this study, secondary ion mass spectrometry and a semiconductor parameter analyzer were used to study and analyze the component interdiffusion at the CdTe/HgCdTe interface before and after annealing, as well as the effect of the formation of a gradient bandgap layer from annealing on the electrical properties of the metal–insulator-semiconductor (MIS) structure. The site-direction relationship of the contracted crystals at the CdTe/HgCdTe interface was revealed by transmission electron microscopy, and it was found that the stacking dislocations in the CdTe layer were significantly reduced after annealing and that the Hg atoms diffused into the CdTe layer through the high-temperature annealing and occupied the lattice positions of the Cd atoms, thus forming the HgCdTe structure, which formed a contracted-crystalline structure with the CdTe substrate. Molecular dynamics was applied to simulate the specific atomic diffusion behavior at different temperatures and different times during the high temperature annealing process, and the above experimental results were verified by a research note on the variation of the diffusion phenomena during the process.

Heat wave events have frequently occurred worldwide in recent years, and continuous high temperatures have severely impacted human life and ecosystems. Given this problem, the government and the public must cooperate closely to participate in global environmental governance. Among them, pro-environmental behavior is the most significant form for citizens to participate in environmental protection and fulfill social responsibilities. It plays an essential role in mitigating extremely high temperatures worldwide and achieving ''carbon neutrality'' and sustainable development of the world environment. Based on this, the study utilized the field survey data of 554 respondents from 14 villages in Xi'an and applied a structural equation model that integrates the theory of planned behavior and protection motivation theory to identify the main determinants of the pro-environmental behavior of rural dwellers. The research reported that: 1) The integrated model of the theory of planned behavior and protection motivation theory is suitable for studying people's pro-environmental behavior in the context of heat waves. 2) Heat risk perception, response efficacy, self-efficacy, and subjective norms significantly improved rural residents' pro-environmental behavior. In contrast, response cost had an opposite negative impact on rural residents' pro-environmental behavior. Among them, subjective norms had the most considerable effect. Based on these, we recommend that local governments promote public participation in environmental governance through the following methods: 1) Strengthen the publicity and education of heat wave knowledge and improve public awareness of heat wave risks. 2) Increase investment in environmental protection facilities and reward the public for environmental protection behavior to reduce the cost of the public's pro-environmental behavior. 3) Give full play to the leading role of government cadres and improve the public's awareness of environmental protection through the impact of the social environment.

Entrepreneurial fear of failure (EFoF) is a psychological barrier to college entrepreneurship. Current research on EFoF among college students is at an emerging stage, and relevant evidence, such as the factors influencing EFoF, remains unclear and unsystematic. Most EFoF studies treat college students as general entrepreneurs, neglecting their unique social identities and situational contexts that influence their EFoF, such as parents and education. It is essential to provide a thorough and organized review to comprehensively understand the role of the EFoF in college student entrepreneurship. A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR protocol to offer a broad exploration and mapping of the literature. This review identified 35 studies published from 2010 to 2023 through a rigorous search and sift across five prominent databases. Descriptive and thematic analyses revealed 1) the characteristics of the included studies, 2) the exogenous and endogenous factors that influence college students' EFoF, 3) the outcomes of EFoF on college students, and 4) research gaps. By mapping and synthesizing the literature, this scoping review contributes to the theory by providing a comprehensive overview of EFoF among college students and identifying research gaps, which illuminates future research directions. The findings also offer practical insights for entrepreneurship practitioners, including college student entrepreneurs, policymakers, and educators, to better understand the role of EFoF among college students, thus effectively promoting the development of college student entrepreneurship.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the common dietary contaminants worldwide, which can harm the liver of humans and animals. Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharide (SMP) is a natural plant-derived polysaccharide with numerous pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotective properties. The purpose of this study is to explore the intervention effect of SMP on AFB1-induced liver injury and its underlying mechanisms in rabbits. The rabbits were administered AFB1 (25 μg/kg/feed) and or treatment with SMP (300, 600, 900 mg/kg/feed) for 42 days. The results showed that SMP effectively alleviated the negative impact of AFB1 on rabbits' productivity by increasing average daily weight gain (ADG) and feed conversion rate (FCR). SMP reduced aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in serum, ameliorating AFB1-induced hepatic pathological changes. Additionally, SMP enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) activity, and inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression, thus mitigating AFB1-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Moreover, SMP upregulated the expression of nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) while downregulating kelch like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1), cytochrome c (cyt.c), caspase9, caspase3, and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) expression, thereby inhibiting AFB1-induced hepatocyte apoptosis. Consequently, our findings conclude that SMP can mitigate AFB1-induced liver damage by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and inhibiting mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway in rabbits.

Eclipta prostrata L. has been used in traditional medicine and known for its liver-protective properties for centuries. Wedelolactone (WEL) and demethylwedelolactone (DWEL) are the major coumarins found in E. prostrata L. However, the comprehensive characterization of these two compounds on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) still remains to be explored. Utilizing a well-established zebrafish model of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver injury, the present study sought to investigate the impacts and mechanisms of WEL and DWEL on NAFLD through integrative spatial metabolomics with liver-specific transcriptomics analysis. Our results showed that WEL and DWEL significantly improved liver function and reduced the accumulation of fat in the liver. The biodistributions and metabolism of these two compounds in whole-body zebrafish were successfully mapped, and the discriminatory endogenous metabolites reversely regulated by WEL and DWEL treatments were also characterized. Based on spatial metabolomics and transcriptomics, we identified that steroid biosynthesis and fatty acid metabolism are mainly involved in the hepatoprotective effects of WEL instead of DWEL. Our study unveils the distinct mechanism of WEL and DWEL in ameliorating NAFLD, and presents a “multi-omics” platform of spatial metabolomics and liver-specific transcriptomics to develop highly effective compounds for further improved therapy.

As the fourth pole of China's economic growth, the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration plays a significant role in reinforcing the ecological barrier in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, and is crucial for ecological and environmental protection strategies. In this paper, Google Earth Engine (GEE) and the MODIS images from 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2022 were utilized to construct the Improved Remote Sensing Ecological Index (IRSEI) to characterize the ecological quality more accurately than RSEI. Additionally, combined with nighttime light remote sensing data, land use data and socio-economic data, the GDP sub-industry spatialization model was utilized to analyze the urbanization process in depth. To dynamically monitor and evaluate the interaction between urbanization and ecological environment quality, a coupling coordination model incorporating the above methods was developed. The results show that (1) The effective information of the IRSEI in ecological quality analysis increased by 3.26% compared to RSEI, and the correlation with each ecological index was higher; (2) The ecological environment quality of the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration peaked in 2005 and has been declining since then, with the rate of decline gradually slowing down from 2005 to 2022; (3) The GDP sub-industry spatialization model is more suitable for characterizing the scattered villages, and can effectively exhibit the urbanization process. From 2000 to 2022, urbanization was rapidly developed, and the level of core cities such as Chengdu and Chongqing far exceeded those of neighboring cities; (4) The coupling coordination level between IRSEI and GDP spatialization model generally increased, indicating ongoing improvements in the synergy between ecological environment and urbanization in the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration. This study developed a method for quickly monitoring and assessing the relationship between ecological environment quality and urbanization by using IRSEI and GDP sub-industry spatialization model, and provides scientific analytical methods and data support for monitoring and governing the ecological environment in emerging urban agglomerations.

Summary: Early detection of left ventricular remodeling (LVR) is crucial. While cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) provides valuable information, it has limitations. Coronary angiography-derived fractional flow reserve (caFFR) and index of microcirculatory resistance (caIMR) offer viable alternatives. 157 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention were prospectively included. 23.6% of patients showed LVR. Machine learning algorithms constructed three LVR prediction models: Model 1 incorporated clinical and procedural parameters, Model 2 added CMR parameters, and Model 3 included echocardiographic and functional parameters (caFFR and caIMR) with Model 1. The random forest algorithm showed robust performance, achieving AUC of 0.77, 0.84, and 0.85 for Models 1, 2, and 3. SHAP analysis identified top features in Model 2 (infarct size, microvascular obstruction, admission hemoglobin) and Model 3 (current smoking, caFFR, admission hemoglobin). Findings indicate coronary physiology and echocardiographic parameters effectively predict LVR in patients with STEMI, suggesting their potential to replace CMR.

Pregnancy is a sensitive window period for bisphenol A (BPA) exposure. BPA can pass through the placenta and cause reproductive damage in offspring female mice. Even BPA that is not metabolized during lactation can be passed through milk. Cuscuta chinensis flavonoids (CCFs) can alleviate reproductive damage caused by BPA, but the mechanism of action is unclear. To investigate the potential mitigating impact of CCFs on ovarian damage resulting from BPA exposure during pregnancy, we administered BPA and CCFs to pregnant mice during the gestational period spanning from 0.5 to 17.5 days. Aseptic collection of serum and ovaries from female mice was conducted on postnatal day 21 (PND21). Serum hormone levels and tissue receptor levels were quantified utilizing ELISA and PCR, while ovaries underwent sequencing and analysis through transcriptomics and metabolomics techniques. Additionally, the assessment of ovarian oxidative stress levels was carried out as part of the comprehensive analysis. The results showed that CCFs administration mitigated the adverse effects induced by BPA exposure on ovarian index, hormone levels, receptor expression, and mRNA expression levels in female offspring mice. The joint analysis of transcriptome and metabolome revealed 48 enriched pathways in positive ion mode and 44 enriched pathways in negative ion mode. Among them, the central carbon metabolism pathway is significantly regulated by BPA and CCFs. The screened sequencing results were verified through qPCR and biochemical kits. In this study, CCFs may participate in the central carbon metabolism pathway by reducing the expression of Kit proto-oncogene (Kit), hexokinase 1 gene (Hk1) and pyruvate kinase M (Pkm) mRNA and increasing the expression of h-ras proto-oncogene (Hras), sirtuin 3 (Sirt3), sirtuin 6 (Sirt6) and TP53 induced glycolysis regulatory phosphatase gene (Tigar) mRNA, thereby resisting the effects of BPA on the body. At the same time, the metabolic levels of D-Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate and L-Asparagine tend to be stable. Moreover, CCFs demonstrated a capacity to diminish the BPA-induced escalation in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Simultaneously, it exhibited the ability to elevate levels of glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT), thereby effectively preventing peroxidation. In summary, CCFs alleviate BPA-induced ovarian damage in offspring female mice by regulating the central carbon metabolism pathway. This study will improve the information on BPA reproductive damage antagonist drugs and provide a theoretical basis for protecting animal reproductive health.

The demand for advanced materials capable of withstanding extreme high-temperature conditions has led to the development of novel High-Entropy Alloys (HEAs). Recent works indicate that forming a CrTaO4 protection layer gives HEAs excellent long-term oxidation resistance. In this study, the high-temperature oxidation resistance properties of CrTaTiMo Refractory Medium-Entropy Alloys (RMEAs) were assessed by Density Functional Theory (DFT) and ab initio Molecular Dynamics (AIMD). Through the oxygen adsorption and diffusion calculations, we demonstrated the preferential oxygen adsorption sequence on the surface of the RMEA as Ti, Ta, Cr, and Mo. Furthermore, our analysis identified the sites featuring Ta as subsurface atoms were the weakest locations for oxygen atom diffusion. The dynamic oxidation mechanism of oxygen molecules on CrTaTiMo RMEA was investigated by AIMD simulations. The results confirmed that the adsorption and dissociation of O2 molecules on the alloy surface. Additionally, the diffusion of the O atom took place at temperatures greater than 873 K and confirmed the O-attracting feature of Ta atoms. Moreover, electronic structure calculations confirmed the bonding of oxygen atoms with those four metal elements. This study could serve as a valuable reference for the strategic development of the CrTaTiMo-based RMEAs or RHEAs for high-temperature, long-term oxidation resistance applications.

Using the AlCoCrFeNi high entropy alloy to enhance 2124 aluminum alloy composites is an effective way to solve its application limitations in friction and wear. In this study, the composites were prepared by mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering. The results show that the diffusion layer was formed at the interface between high entropy particles and the matrix, and there were dislocations and significant lattice distortions near the interface. In addition, the friction coefficient (0.399) and wear rate (7.05∗10−4 mm3 N−1 m−1) of the composites were lower than the 2124 aluminum alloys. Moreover, the yield strength, tensile strength and compressive strength of composites were 396.2 MPa, 498.3 MPa, and 560.5 MPa, respectively. And the yield strength of the composite was almost 2 times more than that of AA2124. This work discussed the effect of interface on mechanical properties and explain the formation of diffusion layer. The present study provides a strategy to solve the lack of wear resistance and strength of composites.

In recent years, the development of bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) has been rapid, with many new structures and target combinations being created. The boom in bsAbs has led to the successive issuance of industry guidance for their development in the US and China. However, there is a high degree of similarity in target selection, which could affect the development of diversity in bsAbs. This review presents a classification of various bsAbs for cancer therapy based on structure and target selection and examines the advantages of bsAbs over monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Through database research, we have identified the preferences of available bsAbs combinations, suggesting rational target selection options and warning of potential wastage of medical resources. We have also compared the US and Chinese guidelines for bsAbs in order to provide a reference for their development.

Laser impact dynamic compaction experiments and 2D multi-particle finite element method (MPFEM) simulations were carried out on aluminum–copper (Al–Cu) binary-based composite powders. Al–Cu compacts with densities of about 95% were successfully prepared at the maximum laser energy of 1.8 J. Research trends indicate that higher power lasers could nearly achieve the theoretical densities. Analysis of the influence laws of laser energy and copper powder mass fraction on the densities of Al–Cu compacts was carried out, and the effects of microstructure and microhardness of Al–Cu compacts on their mechanical properties were investigated, as well as the stresses and velocities in the dynamic compaction process of Al–Cu composite powders were analyzed. The results showed that the relative densities of composite powder compacts of Al-5 wt%Cu gradually exceeded those of Al-10 wt%Cu and Al-15 wt%Cu with the increase of laser energy. In laser impact dynamic compaction the mechanism of inter-particle joining was solid-state press-welding, and the increase in the hardness of the Al–Cu compacts could be attributed to the inherent hardness of the hard particles. The upper particles have a localized maximum velocity of more than 300 m/s, which met the explosion welding velocity, thus localized cold welding occurred and contributed to the inter-particle connection.

Prime editing technologies enable precise genome editing without the caveats of CRISPR nuclease-based methods. Nonetheless, current approaches to identify and isolate prime-edited cell populations are inefficient. Here, we established a fluorescence-based system, prime-induced nucleotide engineering using a transient reporter for editing enrichment (PINE-TREE), for real-time enrichment of prime-edited cell populations. We demonstrated the broad utility of PINE-TREE for highly efficient introduction of substitutions, insertions, and deletions at various genomic loci. Finally, we employ PINE-TREE to rapidly and efficiently generate clonal isogenic human pluripotent stem cell lines, a cell type recalcitrant to genome editing.

This study investigated the correlations between mechanical properties and mineralogy of granite using the digital image processing (DIP) and discrete element method (DEM). The results showed that the X-ray diffraction (XRD)-based DIP method effectively analyzed the mineral composition contents and spatial distributions of granite. During the particle flow code (PFC2D) model calibration phase, the numerical simulation exhibited that the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) value, elastic modulus (E), and failure pattern of the granite specimen in the UCS test were comparable to the experiment. By establishing 351 sets of numerical models and exploring the impacts of mineral composition on the mechanical properties of granite, it indicated that there was no negative correlation between quartz and feldspar for UCS, tensile strength (σt), and E. In contrast, mica had a significant negative correlation for UCS, σt, and E. The presence of quartz increased the brittleness of granite, whereas the presence of mica and feldspar increased its ductility in UCS and direct tensile strength (DTS) tests. Varying contents of major mineral compositions in granite showed minor influence on the number of cracks in both UCS and DTS tests.

Introduction: The wild tetraploid sesame (Sesamum schinzianum), an ancestral relative of diploid cultivated sesame, grows in the tropical desert of the African Plateau. As a valuable seed resource, wild sesame has several advantageous traits, such as strong environmental adaptability and an extremely high content of sesamolin in its seeds. High-quality genome assembly is essential for a detailed understanding of genome structure, genome evolution and crop improvement. Objectives: Here, we generated two high-quality chromosome-scale genomes from S. schinzianum and a cultivated diploid elite sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) to investigate the potential genetic basis underlying these traits of wild sesame. Methods: The long-read data from PacBio Sequel II platform and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) data were used to construct high-quality sesame genome. Then dissecting the molecular mechanisms of sesame evolution and lignan biosynthesis through comparative genomics and transcriptomics. Results: We found evidence of divergent evolution that involved differences in the number, sequence and expression level of homologous genes between the two sets of subgenomes from allotetraploids in S. schinzianum, all of which might be driven by subfunctionalization after polyploidization. Furthermore, it was found that a great number of genes involved in the stress response have undergone positive selection and resulted from gene family expansion in the wild sesame genome compared with the cultivated sesame genome, which, overall, is associated with adaptative evolution to the environment. We hypothesized that the sole functional member CYP92B14 (SscC22g35272) could be associated with high content of sesamolin in wild sesame seeds. Conclusion: This study provides high-quality wild allotetraploid sesame and cultivated sesame genomes, reveals evolutionary features of the allotetraploid genome and provides novel insights into lignan synthesis pathways. Meanwhile, the wild sesame genome will be an important resource to conduct comparative genomic and evolutionary studies and plant improvement programmes.

The cast Al4·4Cu0·6Mn alloy samples were subjected to quenching at 530 °C for 14 h, followed by aging treatment at 170 °C for 6, 8, 10, and 12 h. The effects of aging treatment time on the mechanical properties including the tensile strength (σb), yield strength (σ0.2), elongation (δ5), hardness (HB), and microstructure morphology of the alloy were investigated using metallographic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, tensile-property, and hardness tests. The highest tensile strength of the alloy was 481.4 MPa when the aging time was 8 h. The size of precipitates increased gradually with the increase in aging time, and their morphology developed gradually from granular and bundle to reticulation. The main strengthening phases of the alloy were the θ- and T-phases as determined by X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Dimples and tear ridges were observed in the fracture morphology of four samples after different aging times, indicating that the fracture mode for the studied alloy is quasi-cleavage fracture. The T-phase has better thermal stability. Therefore, the mechanical properties of the alloy under the heat treatment conditions in this paper were stable and were not significantly affected by the aging time.

Salinization remains a major issue in soil degradation, for which biochar is a potential solution. In this meta-analysis, using 660 paired observations from 99 peer-reviewed articles, we evaluated biochar's effect on salt-affected soils and identified the initial soil properties, biochar properties and experimental factors influencing its efficacy. The results showed that the addition of biochar had a significant ameliorating effect on salt-affected soils. The soil electrical conductivity of saturated paste extract (ECe) was significantly reduced by 13.2%, and such effect was significant in severe salinization soil (rather than slight and moderate salinization). Meanwhile, the soil cation exchange capacity was significantly increased by 17.0%. However, the addition of biochar had no significant impact on soil pH. Model selection analyses further indicated that the level of initial salinity and the type of biochar feedstock were the most important factors regulating the response of soil ECe to biochar addition. In summary, while our study highlights the potential of biochar in ameliorating salt-affected soils, particularly in severely salinized soils, it also underscores the need for more comprehensive research in this field. Additional research is necessary to comprehensively address the significant heterogeneity of biochars, including their thorough characterization. In addition, more studies are required to explore the impact of biochar on both salt-tolerant and non-salt-tolerant plants in salt-affected soils.