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Accurately predicting stock returns is a conundrum in financial market. Solving this conundrum can bring huge economic benefits for investors and also attract the attention of all circles of people. In this paper the authors combine semi-varying coefficient model with technical analysis and statistical learning, and propose semi-varying coefficient panel data model with individual effects to explore the dynamic relations between the stock returns from five companies: CVX, DFS, EMN, LYB, and MET and five technical indicators: CCI, EMV, MOM, ln ATR, ln RSI as well as closing price (ln CP), combine semi-parametric fixed effects estimator, semi-parametric random effects estimator with the testing procedure to distinguish fixed effects (FE) from random effects (RE), and finally apply the estimated dynamic relations and the testing set to predict stock returns in December 2020 for the five companies. The proposed method can accommodate the varying relationship and the interactive relationship between the different technical indicators, and further enhance the prediction accuracy to stock returns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inadequate tendon healing and heterotopic bone formation result in substantial pain and disability, yet the specific cells responsible for tendon healing remain uncertain. Here we identify a CD26+ tendon stem/progenitor cells residing in peritendon, which constitutes a primitive stem cell population with self-renewal and multipotent differentiation potentials. CD26+ tendon stem/progenitor cells migrate into the tendon midsubstance and differentiation into tenocytes during tendon healing, while ablation of these cells led to insufficient tendon healing. Additionally, CD26+ tendon stem/progenitor cells contribute to heterotopic ossification and Tenascin-C-Hippo signaling is involved in this process. Targeting Tenascin-C significantly suppresses chondrogenesis of CD26+ tendon stem/progenitor cells and subsequent heterotopic ossification. Our findings provide insights into the identification of tendon stem/progenitor cells and illustrate the essential role of CD26+ tendon stem/progenitor cells in tendon healing and heterotopic bone formation. Chen, et al identify peritendon CD26 expressing tendon stem/progenitor cells that contribute to tendon healing, as well as Tenascin-C/YAP dependent heterotopic ossification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge about the neuronal dynamics and the projectome are both essential for understanding how the neuronal network functions in concert. However, it remains challenging to obtain the neural activity and the brain-wide projectome for the same neurons, especially for neurons in subcortical brain regions. Here, by combining in vivo microscopy and high-definition fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography, we have developed strategies for mapping the brain-wide projectome of functionally relevant neurons in the somatosensory cortex, the dorsal hippocampus, and the substantia nigra pars compacta. More importantly, we also developed a strategy to achieve acquiring the neural dynamic and brain-wide projectome of the molecularly defined neuronal subtype. The strategies developed in this study solved the essential problem of linking brain-wide projectome to neuronal dynamics for neurons in subcortical structures and provided valuable approaches for understanding how the brain is functionally organized via intricate connectivity patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase in air pollutants and bacteria hazards, conventional melt-blown cloth of polypropylene (PP), which is widely used as the filtering medium, can no longer meet people's needs due to its insufficient filtration efficiency, lack of antibacterial function, etc. In this study, the nanoparticles of the zinc and cobalt imidazolate framework (ZnCo-ZIF) were synthesized and directly incorporated into polylactide (PLA) to prepare PLA/ZnCo-ZIF fibrous membranes through electrospinning methodology. The addition of ZnCo-ZIF resulted in a decrease in the average diameter of fiber from 1.01 μm of pure PLA membrane to 0.72 μm of PLA/ZnCo-ZIF (3 wt%) membrane. The PM filtration and antimicrobial properties of PLA/ZnCo-ZIF fibrous membranes were tested. The PLA/ZnCo-ZIF (2 wt%) membrane displayed great filtration ability, and the filtration efficiencies for PM2.5 and PM10 were 90.88% and 93.00%, compared to 75.76% and 79.37% of PP melt-blown cloth. In addition, the antibacterial rates of the PLA/ZnCo-ZIF (3 wt%) membrane reached 100% and 93.24% against E. coli and S. aureus, which were higher than 85.80% and 90.59% of the PLA/ZIF-8 (3 wt%) membrane. The prepared membranes could be used in the field of masks instead of PP melt-blown fabric, and they solved the problem of the non-degradability and non-functionalization of melt-blown fabric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is recognized that the introduction of ceramic particles has been used to produce composite coating in laser cladding to enhance the hardness of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy. In this study, (nano WC + micron TiC)/Ti6Al4V coatings with different composite ceramic contents were manufactured on Ti6Al4V substrate by laser cladding. The effects of the multi-scale composite ceramics on the macroscopic morphology, microstructure, and microhardness of coatings were comprehensively analyzed. The results showed that the coatings were mainly composed of α-Ti and (Ti, W)C1 − x. The partial melting of TiC and WC ceramics resulted in the dissolution of C atoms in the matrix of the coatings, thereby strengthening the coatings through solid solution formation. Meanwhile, the growth of (Ti, W)C1 − x was inhibited, owing to the pinning force exerted by nano WC at the grain boundaries. When the content of nano WC was 1.5 wt%, (Ti, W)C1 − x in the coating exhibited micron-scale dendritic and submicron granular structures. The average size of the (Ti, W)C1 − x was approximately 0.31 µm. Moreover, the optimal microhardness of the coating reached 459.99 HV, representing a 35.99% increase compared to the microhardness of the Ti6Al4V substrate. The enhancement in microhardness was primarily attributed to three key strengthening mechanisms: fine-grain strengthening, Orowan strengthening, and solid-solution strengthening, which were effects induced by the ceramic particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In mammals, global passive demethylation contributes to epigenetic reprogramming during early embryonic development. At this stage, the majority of DNA-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) protein is excluded from nucleus, which is considered the primary cause. However, whether the remaining nuclear activity of DNMT1 is regulated by additional mechanisms is unclear. Here, we report that nuclear DNMT1 abundance is finetuned through proteasomal degradation in mouse zygotes. We identify a maternal factor, Pramel15, which targets DNMT1 for degradation via Cullin-RING E3 ligases. Loss of Pramel15 elevates DNMT1 levels in the zygote pronuclei, impairs zygotic DNA demethylation, and causes a stochastic gain of DNA methylation in early embryos. Thus, Pramel15 can modulate the residual level of DNMT1 in the nucleus during zygotic DNA replication, thereby ensuring efficient DNA methylation reprogramming in early embryos. Epigenetic reprogramming involves global loss of DNA methylation, but how this is regulated is not completely understood. Here, Tan et al. run a reverse genetic screen and report that nuclear DNMT1 is finetuned by maternal factor Pramel15 through proteasomal degradation in mouse zygotes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diffraction-before-destruction imaging with ultrashort X-ray pulses can visualize non-equilibrium processes, such as chemical reactions, with sub-femtosecond precision in the native environment. Here, a nanospecimen diffracts a single X-ray flash before it disintegrates. The sample structure can be reconstructed from the coherent diffraction image (CDI). State-of-the-art X-ray snapshots lack high spatial resolution because of weak diffraction signal. Bleaching effects from photo-ionization significantly restrain image brightness scaling. We find that non-linear transient ion resonances can overcome this barrier if X-ray laser pulses are shorter than in most experiments. We compared snapshots from individual ≈ 100 nm Xe nanoparticles as a function of pulse duration and incoming X-ray fluence. Our experimental results and Monte Carlo simulations suggest that transient resonances can increase ionic scattering cross sections significantly beyond literature values. This provides a novel avenue towards substantial improvement of the spatial resolution in CDI in combination with sub-femtosecond temporal precision at the nanoscale. Diffraction-before-destruction of ultrashort X-ray pulses can visualize non-equilibrium processes at the nanoscale with sub-femtosecond precision. Here, the authors demonstrate how the brightness and the spatial resolution of such snapshots can be substantially increased despite ionization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) to study the impact of market integration on residents' health. The empirical results based on the probit model show that market integration has a significant dampening effect on resident incidence. For every one-unit increase in the degree of market integration, the probability of residents becoming sick decreases by approximately 1.45%. Moreover, after a series of robustness tests, the conclusion is still valid. This study further analyses the potential mechanism and finds that the promotion of market integration can improve the medical conditions available to residents, optimize the nutritional indices of residents, and reduce labor load of residents, thus improving their health. The results of the heterogeneity test show that there are certain differences in the impact of market integration on the health level of residents of different genders, ages and income classes. At the same time, this study also verifies that there is a synergistic effect between internet penetration and market integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory tract infections caused by various pathogens remain a significant public health concern due to their high prevalence and potential for severe complications. This study systematically analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of six common respiratory pathogens—Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), Adenovirus (AdV), Influenza A virus (FluA), Influenza B virus (FluB), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)—in patients from Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women and Children's Hospital between April 2023 and March 2024. Throat swab samples were collected from a total of 22,717 individuals. Each sample was processed using the AUTOMOLEC 3000 analyzer and the PCR-fluorescent probe method. The results showed that 10,171 (44.8%) individuals tested positive for at least one pathogen. MP had the highest overall positive rate (21.83%), followed by FluA (17.50%) and FluB (14.84%). MP showed the highest mean monthly (average) positive rate (16.84% ± 8.41). Significant differences were found between MP and AdV, CP and RSV in average positive rate (p < 0.05). Co-infection analysis revealed frequent associations between MP and AdV, MP and CP, and FluB with MP. Seasonal analysis indicated distinct peaks: FluA and FluB in winter, RSV in spring, and MP in summer, autumn and winter. Age-stratified analysis showed higher positivity rates of RSV in children aged 0–6 years, MP and CP in the 7–17 years group. Gender-based differences were only observed in RSV positive samples. These findings provide crucial insights into the prevalence and seasonal distribution of respiratory pathogens in Chengdu, offering valuable data to inform public health strategies in the post-COVID era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to investigate the association between the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) and cataracts. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2005–2008 NHANES to examine the relationship between the SII and cataract prevalence. Covariates included age, race/ethnicity, gender, education level, marital status, Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association, while spline curve fitting explored potential non-linear relationships. Threshold analysis identified critical inflection points. To address age-related bias, Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was performed, aligning cataract patients with comparable non-cataract individuals for further evaluation. Our study included 3,623 participants, of whom 730 (20.15%) were diagnosed with cataracts. After adjusting for all covariates, multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that elevated levels of the SII were significantly associated with increased odds of cataracts (Model1: OR = 1.56; 95%CI [1.33–1.85]; Model2: OR = 1.55; 95%CI [1.32–1.84]; Model3: OR = 1.57; 95%CI [1.33–1.86]). In the spline curve fitting model, the relationship between ln-SII and cataract prevalence was non-linear (P < 0.001), with a critical inflection point identified at an SII of 428.38. SII levels remained significantly associated with cataract prevalence following PSM adjustments (Model 1: OR = 1.48; 95% CI [1.21–1.80]; Model 2: OR = 1.48; 95% CI [1.21–1.80]; Model 3: OR = 1.46; 95% CI [1.20–1.78]). Elevated SII levels are associated with a higher prevalence of cataracts, underscoring the pivotal role of systemic inflammation in cataract development. These findings indicate that SII could serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing cataract risk, further emphasizing the significance of managing systemic inflammation as a potential strategy for cataract prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minerals are the essential micronutrients for human health. Brown rice is a whole-grain food rich in minerals, with its bran portion limiting the application of minerals. In the present study, the changes in the contents of 23 different minerals (Na, Mg, K, Ca, B, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Sb, Ba, Li, Al, As, Cd, Sn, Hg, and Pb) in brown rice were evaluated during 17, 24, 30, 35, and 48 h of germination. The results showed that germination was associated with the decreased contents of Pb, Cd, As, Al, Li, Ba, Fe, Cr, Co, V, and Hg, and the increased content of Na in brown rice (p < 0.05). In contrast, this process was not significantly influential on the contents of Mg, K, Ca, B, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Sn, Sb, and Mn (p > 0.05). In addition, significant correlations were found among most of the mineral contents. Furthermore, according to the principal component analysis, three principal components of the different mineral contents were extracted to explain 96.60% of the cumulative variances. In summary, these findings demonstrated that germination represented a feasible approach to regulating and controlling the distribution of the mineral elements in brown rice, optimizing the levels of the mineral contents, and thus reducing the potential health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute and chronic inflammation are important pathologies of benign airway stenosis (BAS) fibrosis, which is a frequent complication of critically ill patients. cGAS-STING signalling has an important role in inflammation and fibrosis, yet the function of STING in BAS remains unclear. Here we demonstrate using scRNA sequencing that cGAS‒STING signalling is involved in BAS, which is accompanied by increased dsDNA, expression and activation of STING. STING inhibition or deficiency effectively alleviates tracheal fibrosis of BAS mice by decreasing both acute and chronic inflammation. Macrophage depletion also effectively ameliorates BAS. Mechanistically, dsDNA from damaged epithelial cells activates the cGAS-STING pathway of macrophages and induces IL-6 to activate STAT3 and promote fibrosis. In summary, the present results suggest that cGAS-STING signalling induces acute inflammation and amplifies the chronic inflammation and tracheal fibrosis associated with benign airway stenosis, highlighting the mechanism and potential drug target of BAS. Benign airway stenosis (BAS) is characterised by acute and chronic inflammation of the trachea. Here the authors examine the function of cGAS-STING in BAS using mouse models and show involvement of macrophages and that inhibition of STING or macrophage depletion ameliorated BAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has shown that deep learning models are vulnerable to adversarial attacks, including gradient attacks, which can lead to incorrect outputs. The existing gradient attack methods typically rely on repetitive multistep strategies to improve their attack success rates, resulting in longer training times and severe overfitting. To address these issues, we propose an adaptive perturbation-based gradient attack method with dual-loss optimization (APDL). This method adaptively adjusts the single-step perturbation magnitude based on an exponential distance function, thereby accelerating the convergence process. APDL achieves convergence in fewer than 10 iterations, outperforming the traditional nonadaptive methods and achieving a high attack success rate with fewer iterations. Furthermore, to increase the transferability of gradient attacks such as APDL across different models and reduce the effects of overfitting on the training model, we introduce a triple-differential logit fusion (TDLF) method grounded in knowledge distillation principles. This approach mitigates the edge effects associated with gradient attacks by adjusting the hardness and softness of labels. Experiments conducted on ImageNet-compatible datasets demonstrate that APDL is significantly faster than the commonly used nonadaptive methods, whereas the TDLF method exhibits strong transferability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of collagen peptides, collagen peptides from cod skin were prepared to assess their in vitro anti-inflammatory effects and in vivo efficacy against ulcerative colitis. The results show that collagen peptides demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reducing oxidative stress in vitro. In vivo, collagen peptides significantly reduced colonic tissue damage, modulated serum cytokine balance, increased the expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1 in colon tissue, enhanced the abundance of beneficial bacteria while reducing harmful bacteria, and restored microbial balance. In addition, collagen peptides ameliorated colitis in vivo by inhibiting the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65, IκBα and p38 MAPK in the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway. Based on these findings, collagen peptides could serve as potential therapeutic agents for managing ulcerative colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the continuous casting process of high-Mn high-Al steels, various types of gases such as Ar need to escape through the top of the mold. In which, the behavior of bubbles traversing the liquid slag serves as a restrictive link, closely associated with viscosity and the thickness of liquid slag. In contrast to two-dimensional surface observation, three-dimensional (3D) analysis method can offer a more intuitive, accurate, and comprehensive information. Therefore, this study employs a 3D X-ray microscope (3D-XRM) to obtained spatial distribution and 3D morphological characteristics of residual bubbles in mold flux under different basicity of liquid slag, different temperatures, and different holding times. The results indicate that as basicity of slag increases from 0.52 to 1.03, temperature increases from 1423 to 1573 K, the viscosity of slag decreases, the floating rate of bubbles increases. In addition, when holding time increases from 10 to 30 s, the bubbles floating distance increases, and the volume fraction and average equivalent sphere diameter of the bubbles solidified in the mold flux gradually decreases. In one word, increasing the basicity, temperature, and holding time leading to an increase in the removal rate of bubbles especially for the large. These findings of bubbles escape behavior provide valuable insights into optimizing low basicity mold flux for high-Mn high-Al steels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trajectory data is vital for enhancing location-based APP services. However, releasing such data without proper privacy safeguards exposes user privacy risks. Currently, most differential privacy methods focus on static data, while existing obfuscation techniques for locations suffer from limited usability and inadequate privacy protection. To tackle these issues, we introduce DCT-DP, an optimized model for trajectory data publication based on density clustering. DCT-DP first segments trajectory temporal attributes using k-means clustering. Then, it utilizes a novel density clustering algorithm, DENCLUS, to categorize spatial attributes. Following this, it filters out abnormal trajectories and applies Laplace noise to protect privacy before publishing. Our experimental evaluation demonstrates that DCT-DP outperforms existing methods, offering superior data utility while ensuring stronger privacy protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-photon microscopy is indispensable in cell and molecular biology for its high-resolution visualization of cellular and molecular dynamics. However, the inevitable low signal-to-noise conditions significantly degrade image quality, obscuring essential details and complicating morphological analysis. While existing denoising methods such as CNNs, Noise2Noise, and DeepCAD serve broad applications in imaging, they still have limitations in preserving texture structures and fine details in two-photon microscopic images affected by complex noise, particularly in sophisticated structures like neuronal synapses. To improve two-photon microscopy image denoising effectiveness, by experimenting on real two-photon microscopy images, we propose a novel deep learning framework, the UNet-Att model, which integrates a specifically tailored UNet++ architecture with attention mechanisms. Specifically, this approach consists of a sophisticated downsampling module for extracting hierarchical features at varied scales, and an innovative attention module that strategically emphasizes salient features during the integration process. The architecture is completed by an ingenious upsampling pathway that reconstructs the image with high fidelity, ensuring the retention of textural integrity. Additionally, the model supports end-to-end training, optimizing its denoising efficacy. The UNet-Att model proves to surpass mainstream algorithms in the dual objectives of denoising and preserving the textural intricacies of original images, which is evidenced by an increase of 9.42 dB in the high Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) coupled with an improvement of 0.1131 in the Structural Similarity Index Measurement (SSIM). The ablation experiments reveal the effectiveness of each module. The associated Python packages and datasets of UNet-Att are freely available at . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Steinberg classification system is commonly used by orthopedic surgeons to stage the severity of patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), and it includes mild, moderate, and severe grading of each stage based on the area of the femoral head affected. However, clinicians mostly grade approximately by visual assessment or not at all. To accurately distinguish the mild, moderate, or severe grade of early stage ONFH, we propose a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hip joint of patients to accurately grade and aid diagnosis of ONFH. Materials and Methods: T1-MRI images of patients diagnosed with early stage ONFH were collected. Three orthopedic surgeons selected 261 slices containing images of the femoral head and labeled each case with the femoral head necrosis classification. Our CNN model learned, trained, and segmented the regions of femoral head necrosis in all the data. Results: The accuracy of the proposed CNN for femoral head segmentation is 97.73%, sensitivity is 91.17%, specificity is 99.40%, and positive predictive value is 96.98%. The diagnostic accuracy of the overall framework is 90.80%. Conclusions: Our proposed CNN model can effectively segment the region where the femoral head is in MRI and can identify the region of early stage femoral head necrosis for the purpose of aiding diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although various classification systems have been introduced for the description of distal clavicle fractures, there is no consensus on the best classification system that is helpful in determining treatment and prognosis. The objective of this study was to establish a new classification system for distal clavicle fractures and to verify the reliability of the new classification system by evaluating the inter- and intraobserver agreement. Materials and methods: A total of 1075 consecutive patients with distal clavicle fractures were selected from five university-affiliated hospitals between 2012 and 2022. The distal fragment size (DFS), the coracoclavicular distance (CCD) and the acromioclavicular distance (ACD) were measured on anteroposterior radiographs of each acromioclavicular joint. Twenty independent investigators evaluated 1075 radiographs of distal clavicle fractures, completing the fracture typing according to the new classification system and selecting a treatment choice for each case. This procedure was repeated 3 months later. Fleiss κ values were calculated to estimate the inter- and intraobserver agreement. Results: The new classification categorizes distal clavicle fractures into three types based on the relationship between fracture location and ligament footprints. Type I fractures occur distal to the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments with or without ligament injury. Type II fractures occur CC ligament attachment regions with ligament injury Type III fractures occur proximal to the CC ligaments without ligament injury. Several subtypes (types IA, IB, IC, ID, IIA, IIB, IIC, IID, and IIE) were further introduced according to fracture displacement and ligament integrity. The inter- and intraobserver reliability of our new classification system was substantial (κ = 0.622 vs. 0.678). Inter- and intraobserver reliability for treatment choice was perfect (κ = 0.846 vs. 0.882). Conclusions: The new classification system which takes into account fracture location and ligament integrity brought few disputes in category division and treatment selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate lithology identification of rock thin sections is a fundamental component of geological exploration and mining research, which provides invaluable geological insights. However, the intricacy and ambiguity of rocks present substantial obstacles to the precise identification of rock thin sections. To tackle this challenge, this paper introduces an enhanced Densely Connected Convolutional Network (DenseNet) model, named “SGCT-DenseNet”, a designation specifically created for this study, designed for thin section rock classification. “SGCT” represents the integration of SoftPool and Gated Channel Transformation (GCT) units, designed to enhance model performance. The GCT unit effectively captures inter-channel relationships, enhancing feature extraction by leveraging channel dependencies. SoftPool, with softmax weighting, replaces conventional pooling methods, reducing information loss while preserving crucial downsampling characteristics. The inclusion of Leaky Rectified Linear Unit (Leaky ReLU) activation mitigates vanishing gradient problems, ensuring stable training. A hierarchical classification approach is employed to categorize the dataset into sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks for the first-level classification, and further subdivides these into 108 s-level classifications. Data augmentation strategies are employed to enhance the model’s robustness and effectiveness. The test set achieves an accuracy of 99.11% for the primary classification and 98.22% for the secondary classification. Ablation experiments are meticulously designed to validate the effectiveness and rationality of each module within the SGCT-DenseNet model. Furthermore, SGCT-DenseNet outperforms several benchmark models, such as VGGNet16, GoogleNet, ResNet50, MobileNetV3-Large, and VoVNet39, achieving significant accuracy improvements of 11.56%, 5.63%, 6.00%, 3.29%, and 3.12% in the second-level classification task while maintaining a relatively lower number of model parameters. SGCT-DenseNet shows a 3.12% improvement in accuracy compared to the original DenseNet121 model. The results of this study demonstrate that SGCT-DenseNet effectively enhances the model’s characterization ability, improves the accuracy of rock thin section recognition, and offers technical support for the precise classification of rocks, thus holding significant engineering and practical importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a distributed control strategy, named Triangle Formation (TF) algorithm, for a group of robots. The algorithm is based on a geometric approach and enables three neighboring robots to form an Equilateral Triangular Configuration (ETC). The TF algorithm is scalable since it is developed for a large group of robots by using a neighbor selection technique. To achieve obstacle avoidance by group, the algorithm is enhanced further by introducing an artificial physics model. A series of simulation studies have been conducted to observe the performance and the effectiveness of the TF algorithm. These empirical results show that group flocking with multi-ETC network in an unknown environment can be realized with the TF algorithm successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The INO80 chromatin remodeling complex plays a critical role in shaping the dynamic chromatin environment. The diverse functions of the evolutionarily conserved INO80 complex have been widely reported. However, the role of INO80 in modulating the histone variant H2A.Z is controversial. Moreover, whether INO80 helps regulate heterochromatin remains unknown. Here, we characterize the regulatory effects of OsINO80 on protein-coding genes and transposable elements (TEs) in rice. Upon OsINO80 overexpression in rice, we found three types of OsINO80-occupied regions with different chromatin signatures: type I (enriched with H2A.Z), type II (enriched with H3K9me2), and type III (deficient in H2A.Z/H3K9me2). Loss of OsINO80 results in a decrease in H3K27me3, but not H2A.Z, at type I regions as well as a decrease in H3K9me2 at type II regions, which correlates with TE activation and transposition. Our findings reveal that OsINO80 facilitates H3K27me3 establishment, promotes H3K9me2 deposition, and maintains TE silencing. This study reveals that the chromatin remodeling factor OsINO80 promotes H3K27me3 and H3K9me2 depositions in rice, which is correlated with gene transcription regulation and transposable element maintenance, providing insights into chromatin dynamics and genome stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordination complexes are promising candidates for powerful electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction but challenges remain in favoring the kinetics behaviors through local coordination regulation. Herein, by refining the synergy of carboxylate anions and multiconjugated benzimidazole ligands, we tailor a series of well-defined and stable coordination complexes with three-dimensional supramolecular/coordinated structures. The coordinated water as potential open coordination sites can directly become intermediates, while the metal center easily achieves re-coordination with water molecules in the pores to resist lattice oxygen dissolution. In situ experiments and theory simulations indicate that nickel centers with neighboring coordinated water molecules follow an intramolecular oxygen coupling mechanism with a low thermodynamic energy barrier. With more coordinated water introduced, an optimized intramolecular oxygen coupling process may appear for favoring the reaction kinetics. As such, a low overpotential of 248 mV at 10 mA cm–2 and long-term stability of 200 h are achieved. This study underscores the potential of crafting coordinated water molecules for efficient electrocatalysis applications. Identifying and tuning the coordination environment to improve the oxygen evolution reaction kinetics of coordination complexes is important, yet challenging. Here, the authors report a series of coordination complexes as catalytic models and reveal the unique reaction behavior of coordinated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our experiments aboard the Chinese Space Station reveal a gravity-driven transition in intruder dynamics within vibrated granular media. While vibrations typically enable an intruder to ascend in a granular bed, low-gravity conditions induce it to descend under similar vibrations. Using a Hall-sensor array tracking method, we monitor the intruder's movement throughout each vibration cycle and identified two competing mechanisms: inertia and gravity-dependent penetration. As gravity decreases, we observe a significant reduction in the scaled damping coefficient and hydrostatic pressure coefficient indicating that bed particles disperse more readily upon intruder impact, facilitating deeper penetration. Our findings highlight a critical transition from downward to upward motion of the intruder as vibration acceleration exceeds a threshold, which increases as gravity decreases. These insights into intruder dynamics in low-gravity environments have significant implications for asteroid exploration and lunar base construction, enhancing our understanding of the Brazil nut effect and the formation of planetesimal. Granular segregation may play a role in shaping the surface features of small celestial bodies such as asteroids that can be explained with the Brazil-nut effect. The authors study intruder dynamics in granular media on board the Chinese Space Station, finding that contrary to what occurs on Earth intruders tend to descend in microgravity conditions under specific vibration parameters [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American Heart Association has updated the cardiovascular health (CVH) assessment tool, referred to as the Life's Essential 8 (LE8). Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is now the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and is linked to an elevated risk of mortality. We aimed to explore the association of LE8 with all cause and cause-specific mortality in MASLD in a prospective cohort study. A total of 10,050 participants with MASLD from the NHANES 2005–2018 dataset were included in the study. LE8 was evaluated by combining four health behaviors and four health factors, with scores of 0–49 categorized as low CVH, 50–79 as moderate CVH, and 80–100 as high CVH. In the fully adjusted model, each one-point increase in the LE8 score corresponded to a 2.7, 2.7, and 1.6% decrease in all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality risk, respectively, in people with MASLD. Compared to low CVH, being in moderate/high CVH was negatively associated with most mortality outcomes, while health factors lost significant association with cancer mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant health burden in China, where the large population and vast geography limit access to care. Telehealth (tHealth) services provide a virtual model of care that can enhance CVD management. This study aims to describe the trajectory of tHealth services for cardiovascular care between 2016 and 2020 in China, assess their utilization, and discuss their implications for improving access to care in resource-scarce regions. Data were collected on patient-facing, operational tHealth apps in Mainland China. In 2016, 45.8% of tertiary hospitals were accessible via tHealth apps, with a 10.7% annual growth rate. Wealthier regions had better tHealth coverage, irrespective of CVD burden. In 2016 and 2020, 34% and 67% of patients, respectively, consulted doctors located outside of their provinces, primarily in wealthier areas. The most common CVDs managed were hypertension, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmia. These findings suggest that tHealth services improve care access, especially in underdeveloped regions, but widespread technology adoption remains crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the impact of partially substituting fish meal (FM) and soybean meal (SBM) in the diet with fermented soybean meal (FSBM) on growth, feeding preference, protease activity, and their correlation with gastric evacuation in giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. A 55-day feeding trial was conducted with eight isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets, followed by a gastric emptying experiment. The results showed that the control group (containing 30% FM and 18% SBM) exhibited the highest feeding preference index, and the SBM-free group (almost devoid of soybean antigen proteins) showed the lowest preference index. Moreover, all diets displayed an initial decrease in preference index followed by an increase and subsequent decline with increasing levels of supplemental fermented soybean meal. This pattern was also observed in terms of digestive enzymes and stomach emptying rates. Notably, there was the same tendency in feeding preference before and after short-term domestication (55 days), and it was consistent with the trend of feeding rate. All the presented findings indicated that the inclusion of fish meal is a crucial factor influencing the feeding preference of M. rosenbergii. The substitution of fish meal and soybean meal in feed with fermented soybean meal would induce feed aversion in M. rosenbergii, which significantly contributes to the decline in growth rate. However, when fermented soybean meal replaced fish meal and soybean meal, the individual action or interaction between antigenic proteins and other anti-nutritional factors resulted in varying changes in digestive enzyme activity and gastric evacuation dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracranial lesions in children often have good prognoses, allowing long-term survival. Cognitive functions, crucial for life quality, need more attention. Previous research has focused on adults, with pediatric studies limited by varied lesions and complex treatments. This study aims to evaluate cognitive and brain network changes in children with frontal lobe lesions, which significantly impact cognitive function, using a before-and-after comparison. The study enrolled 20 children with frontal lesions who underwent fMRI and cognitive tests before and after surgery, with only surgical treatment initially. Brain network changes were evaluated using functional metrics, and cognitive shifts were measured through test scores. Correlations were analyzed to explore brain mechanisms behind cognitive changes. Additionally, 20 healthy children underwent the same assessments for baseline data. Preliminary evidence of cognitive recovery, notably in social cognition, was observed about three months post-surgery, potentially linked to increased functional connectivity between the right lingual gyrus and right middle temporal gyrus. Children with frontal lobe lesions have demonstrated short-term postoperative cognitive improvement and associated reorganization and repair of brain networks, though this capacity for repair may diminish over time. This underscores the importance of timely rehabilitation interventions. This study offers unique insights into cognitive neuroscience and potential rehabilitation targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon holds great potential as anode material for next-generation advanced lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its exceptional capacity. However, its low conductivity and huge volume changes during charge/discharge process result in a poor electrochemical performance of silicon anode. This study introduces a cost-effective strategy to repurpose KL Si waste from photovoltaic industry into feedstock for LIBs. A Si@C composite with core–shell structure was synthesized from kerf loss (KL) Si waste as the primary capacity contributing ingredient. The nanoscale Si particles (Si NPs) was produced through ball milling and acid pickling of KL Si waste, and then coated a carbon shell by the pyrolyzed phenolic resin. This core–shell structure enhances the electrical conductivity of silicon-based anode, facilitates ion/electron movement, and reduces volume fluctuations of silicon during lithiation/de-lithiation process. Compared to the pure Si anode, the Li+ transmission efficiency of the Si@C anode was significantly improved, leading to a better cycle and rate performance. The resulting SP-2 electrode demonstrated a consistent capacity of 602 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles under current density of 0.5 A g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The DuoStim protocol has been proposed as an alternative to conventional single and double stimulation cycles in the treatment of infertility. However, its efficacy in improving pregnancy outcomes remains uncertain. Objective: To systematically evaluate the impact of the DuoStim protocol on pregnancy outcomes in infertile patients by comparing it with single and double conventional stimulation cycles. Methods: An online systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases, covering the period from their inception to March 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the DuoStim protocol with single and double conventional stimulation cycles in infertile patients were identified. Data were extracted by two independent investigators who screened the literature and assessed the quality of the studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Results: A total of six RCTs involving 414 infertile patients were included. The DuoStim protocol significantly increased the total number of oocytes compared to single and double conventional stimulation (MD = − 1.47; 95% CI, − 2.12 to − 0.82; P < 0.00001). There were no statistically significant differences in the number of MII oocytes, total embryos, pregnancy rate, and live birth rate. Subgroup Analysis: compared to single stimulation, the DuoStim protocol significantly increased the number of MII oocytes (MD = 1.71; 95% CI, 0.77 to 2.66; P = 0.0004) and total embryos (MD = 1.34; 95% CI, 0.61 to 2.08; P = 0.0003). There were no significant differences in pregnancy rate and live birth rate. Secondary outcomes showed the effect of the DuoStim protocol in patients undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A). The time to obtain euploid blastocysts was significantly reduced in the DuoStim group compared to the control group (23.3 ± 2.8 days vs. 44.1 ± 2.0 days; P < 0.001). Conclusions: The DuoStim protocol shows a significant advantage in increasing the total number of oocytes, MII oocytes, and embryos compared to single stimulation. However, it does not significantly improve pregnancy and live birth rates. The protocol also shortens the time to obtain euploid blastocysts in patients undergoing PGT-A, indicating potential benefits for specific patient groups. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and evaluate long-term outcomes. Thus, the quality of evidence should be considered moderate, warranting cautious interpretation of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, Service-Learning (SL) has become a popular pedagogy in higher education, especially in Asian societies such as Hong Kong. However, although prior studies have generally showed positive effects of SL for service providers (university students in particular), there is limited evidence of the benefits of SL for the service recipients. Additionally, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some SL programs have shifted from a traditional in-person mode to an online mode, thereby creating the need to evaluate e-Service Learning (e-SL) projects. In this study, we evaluated changes among 422 primary school students as service recipients (50.6% male; 49.4% female; Mage = 11.53) joining an e-SL program conducted in mainland China by 85 undergraduate students from a public university in Hong Kong. Using a single-group pretest and posttest design with data collected before and after the e-SL program, which focused on leadership and personal development outcomes, we found that the service recipients showed significant improvements in positive youth development (PYD) attributes, leadership qualities, psychological well-being, and academic performance. We also found gender differences in most of the developmental outcomes, with male participants showing more positive improvements than female participants. These pioneering findings underscore the effectiveness of e-SL program in terms of promoting the holistic development of service recipients. This study also reveals gender differences in the benefits derived from e-SL programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a prevalent autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the NF1 gene, leading to multisystem disorders. Given the critical role of cysteine residues in protein stability and function, we aimed to identify key NF1 mutations affecting cysteine residues that significantly contribute to neurofibromatosis pathology. To identify the most critical mutations in the NF1 gene that contribute to the pathology of neurofibromatosis, we employed a sophisticated computational pipeline specifically designed to detect significant mutations affecting the NF1 gene. Our approach involved an exhaustive search of databases such as the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD), UniProt, and ClinVar for information on missense mutations associated with NF1. Our search yielded a total of 204 unique cysteine missense mutations. We then employed in silico prediction tools, including PredictSNP, iStable, and Align GVGD, to assess the impact of these mutations. Among the mutations, C379R, R1000C, and C1016Y stood out due to their deleterious effects on the biophysical properties of the neurofibromin protein, significantly destabilizing its structure. These mutations were subjected to further phenotyping analysis using SNPeffect 4.0, which predicted disturbances in the protein’s chaperone binding sites and overall structural stability. Furthermore, to directly visualize the impact of these mutations on protein structure, we utilized AlphaFold3 to simulate both the wild-type and mutant NF1 structures, revealing the significant effects of the R1000C mutation on the protein’s conformation. In conclusion, the identification of these mutations can play a pivotal role in advancing the field of precision medicine and aid in the development of effective drugs for associated diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmers usually prefer to sell Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) until around the Spring Festival for greater economic benefits. However, the hoarding stages in winter and cold chain logistics would reduce the vitality of crabs, which would affect the economic benefits. Therefore, this experiment investigated the effects of adding Bacillus subtilis B10 on their health and vitality status after transportation, as well as the immunity and lipid metabolism in cold. The results showed that adding 1 × 109 CFU/kg B. subtilis B10 in feed could improve the vitality of crabs and reduce feet breakage caused by transportation. In male crabs, it could promote growth, and improve antioxidant capacity by increasing the expression of antioxidant gene including SOD and PRX1, increasing the activity of CuZn-SOD and T-SOD, and regulate fat metabolism by decreasing the relative expression of FAD6 and FAD9 thus adapting to environmental changes. In female crabs, it could not promote growth, but it could improve antioxidant capacity by increasing the activity of T-AOC, CuZn-SOD, and T-SOD, and regulate the expression of immune-related and apoptosis-related genes including CASP1, AKT, and AQP and regulate fat metabolism by decreasing the relative expression of FAD6, FAD9, and ELOVL6, thus adapting to environmental changes. This experiment provided a reference basis for reducing economic losses in the hoarding stage and transportation, promoting breeding methods and nutritional requirements of single-sex farming models, and application of probiotics in the field of crab farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In metal-based additive manufacturing processes, such as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), the powder utilization is often less than 50%. Considering the cost efficiency, powder reuse is needed for an economical and sustainable LPBF process. As intermetallic compounds, LPBF-fabricated NiTi alloys are characterized with phase transformation behaviors, mechanical properties and functions that are very sensitive to possible changes in powder characteristics caused through reuse, but the exact effects are still poorly understood. Here, the LPBF process has been repeated ten times using the virgin powder supplement method. Results show that the oxygen content of NiTi powders rises from 370 to 752.3 ppm with the enhancement of the reuse cycle number. Powder oxidation enhances the laser absorptivity of the powder bed, leading to an increase in surface roughness and porosity of NiTi parts. Compared to the specimens made from virgin powders, the mechanical property and shape memory function of specimens made from reused powders are degraded, mainly attributed to the oxygen impurity and deteriorated forming quality. This study allows making better decisions with regard to powder reuse in the development of performance-critical NiTi parts fabricated through LPBF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we have synthesized a novel organic–inorganic hybrid crystal 4-nitrobenzyl-4-aminopyridinium tetrachlorocuprate(II) [4NO2Bz-4NH2Py]2[CuCl4](1). The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the crystal belongs to the triclinic space group P–1, and consists of four [4NO2Bz-4NH2Py]+ cations and two [CuCl4]2− anions. O⋯π, C–H⋯π, π⋯π, N–H⋯Cl, C–H⋯Cl, C–H⋯O, and C–H⋯N weak interactions in the crystals play an important role in facilitating the stacking and stabilization of the crystals. The different types of contribution have been quantified by the calculation of Hirshfeld surface percentage and depicted by fingerprint plots. The bulk phase purity, homogeneity, and morphology of the desired compound were checked using powder XRD, and SEM–EDX analysis. Vibrational, optical, and thermal properties were investigated by FT-IR, UV–Vis spectrum, and TG–DTA measurements of [4NO2Bz-4NH2Py]2[CuCl4](1), respectively. The low energy gap (2.41 eV) suggested that the crystal was a suitable semiconductor material for optical applications. In addition, the compound presented good bactericidal activity against E. coli and S. aureus. A novel organic–inorganic hybrid material, 4-nitrobenzyl-4-aminopyridinium tetrachlorocuprate(II), has been synthesised and characterized with a study of its crystal structure, vibrational spectra, weak interaction, Hirshfield surface, thermal stability and antibacterial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to rationally characterize the nondeterministic phenomena in queueing systems, there exist two mathematical systems, one is probability theory concerned with the analysis of random phenomena and the other is uncertainty theory concerned with the analysis of uncertain phenomena. Before using the above two mathematical systems to model the real queueing systems, we often need to face such a question, are the real queueing systems random or uncertain? In order to answer this question, we collect the arriving times of passengers from online car-hailing platform in Beijing, and then analyze the collected data based on stochastic renewal process and uncertain renewal process. Finally, by comparing samples and confidence intervals of the total numbers of passengers arriving on the online car-hailing platform under two mathematical systems, we come to the conclusion that the queueing systems in the real world are uncertain rather than random. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to build a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional guidance needs of gastric cancer survivors in the primary healthcare setting that could be fulfilled by community health service centers as part of their primary healthcare services. Methods: Gastric cancer survivors were invited to participate in a questionnaire-based survey by convenience sampling method from the community health center. Relationships between nutritional demand and potential influence factors were examined by a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: A total of 200 gastric cancer survivors were recruited from the community health service center in Shanghai, China, from whom we obtained 194 valid questionnaires, resulting in a 97.0% response rate. Of these gastric survivor participants, 48 individuals (24.7%) expressed a need for nutritional guidance administered by community health service centers, whereas 146 participants (75.3%) held the perspective that such guidance was unnecessary. Preferences for nutritional guidance included having a dietitian as the provider (68.8%), home-based engagement (72.9%), face-to-face consultation (68.8%), individual counseling (87.5%), and beginning immediately post-discharge (89.6%). A notable reluctance (66.7%) towards financial contribution was also observed. After adjusting for confounders, participants with higher income level (odds ratio (OR) = 4.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.39–15.50), history of food intake reduction (OR = 14.96, 95% CI = 3.49–82.28), and gastrointestinal symptoms (OR = 4.40, 95% CI = 1.35–14.33) were more likely to seek nutritional guidance. Conclusions: Gastric cancer survivors have a certain need for nutritional guidance administered by primary health service centers. Personal guidance by the primary health service center should be provided to gastric cancer survivors to support their dietary and nutritional intake needs. Implications for cancer survivors: There is a need to develop and implement nutritional guidance programs in community health service centers as part of their primary healthcare services for gastric cancer survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale GPU clusters are widely used to speed up both latency-critical (online) and best-effort (offline) deep learning (DL) workloads. However, similar to the common practice, the DL clusters at ByteDance dedicate each GPU to one workload or share workloads in time dimension, leading to very low GPU resource utilization. Existing techniques like NVIDIA MPS provide an opportunity to share multiple workloads in space on widely-deployed NVIDIA GPUs, but it cannot guarantee the performance of online workloads. We present MuxFlow, the first production system that can scale over massive GPUs to support highly efficient space-sharing for DL workloads. MuxFlow introduces a two-level protection mechanism for both memory and computation to guarantee the performance of online workloads. MuxFlow leverages dynamic streaming multiprocessor (SM) allocation to improve the efficiency of offline workloads. Based on our practical error analysis, we design a mixed error-handling mechanism to improve system reliability. MuxFlow has been deployed at ByteDance on more than 18000 GPUs. The deployment results indicate that MuxFlow substantially improves the GPU utilization from 26% to 76%, SM activity from 16% to 33%, and GPU memory usage from 42% to 48%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual exploration of literature datasets, especially in specialized domains like isostatic pressing in materials research, aids scientific understanding and discovery but demands robust natural language processing techniques for semantic representation. Existing methods often rely on complex and time-consuming processes to obtain text embeddings, which are numerical representations of text that capture their semantic information and similarity. The quality of text embeddings is crucial for enabling visual exploration of literature datasets. Our research question is whether visual exploration of literature datasets can benefit from GPT (generative pre-trained transformer) text embeddings. We seek to answer this question by performing case studies and expert interviews. To do this, we curated a unique literature dataset about isostatic pressing, sourced from diverse periods and genres. Utilizing a GPT embedding model, we generated embeddings for textual analysis, visualizing and examining their semantic interrelations. Expert reviews were undertaken to evaluate the utility of these techniques. Our findings show that GPT text embeddings offer significant improvements in visually exploring literature datasets, revealing deep semantic similarities and diversities. We also discuss the implications, limitations of our study, and propose directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eigenspace estimation is a fundamental tool in data analytics, which has found applications in PCA, dimension reduction, and clustering, among others. The modern machine learning community usually involves data that come from and belong to different organizations. The low communication power and possible data privacy breaches make the eigenspace estimation challenging. To address these issues, we propose a class of algorithms called FedPower within the federated learning (FL) framework. FedPower leverages the well-known power method by alternating multiple local power iterations and a global aggregation step, thus improving communication efficiency. In the aggregation, we propose to weight each local eigenvector matrix with Orthogonal Procrustes Transformation (OPT) for better alignment. We add Gaussian noise in each iteration to ensure strong privacy protection by adopting the notion of differential privacy (DP). We provide convergence bounds for FedPower composed of different interpretable terms corresponding to the effects of Gaussian noise, parallelization, and random sampling of local machines. Additionally, we conduct experiments to demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary metformin supplementation on the redox balance, inflammation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and function in blunt snout bream fed a high-carbohydrate (HC) diet. Fish (45.12 ± 0.36 g) were randomly offered four diets, including a control diet (33% carbohydrate), an HC diet (45% carbohydrate), and the HC diet supplemented with 0.06% (HCM1) and 0.12% (HCM2) metformin respectively for 12 weeks. Compared with the control, feeding the HC diet significantly increased the hepatosomatic index (HSI), the mesenteric fat index, liver and muscle glycogen contents, liver and adipose tissue lipid contents, plasma glucose and glycation end products (AGES) levels and aspartate transaminase activity, plasma and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, hepatic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) contents, mitochondrial cytochrome c content, mitochondrial complex IV activity and ATP 6 transcription, but decreased plasma catalase (CAT) activity, muscle superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, hepatic antioxidant enzymes activities, and the transcriptions of transforming growth factor β (tgfβ) and interleukin 10 (il10). Compared with the HC group, metformin treatment (especially the HCM2 group) significantly elevated tissue glycogen contents, muscle SOD activity, plasma and liver antioxidant enzymes activities, the transcriptions of tgfβ and il10, the sodium/potassium ATPase activity, the contents of mitochondrial protein and AMP, the level of p-AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK), and the p-AMPK/t-AMPK ratio, but lowered the HSI, tissue lipid contents, plasma levels of glucose, AGES and glycated serum protein, plasma, and liver MDA contents, the transcriptions of il1β, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 and ATP 6, the contents of ATP and cytochrome c, the ATP/AMP ratio, and the activities of complexes I and IV. In conclusion, metformin could attenuate the HC diet-induced redox imbalance, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction in blunt snout bream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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NKp46 is a natural killer cell activating receptor primarily expressed on NK cells and non-NK innate lymphoid cells. In the context of anti-infection, NKp46 activates NK cells by binding to ligands on pathogens or infected cells, enabling NK cells to kill the infected cells. In antitumor activities, NKp46 plays a pivotal role in combating tumor growth through mechanisms such as directly killing tumor cells, inhibiting tumor immune escape, and reducing tumor growth rate through immune editing. The expression levels of NKp46 are closely associated with the progression of immune-related diseases, viral infections, leukemia, tumors, and reproductive failure, affecting diagnosis and prognosis. However, the functionality and mechanistic actions of NKp46, as well as the identification of additional NKp46 ligands, require further investigation. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of NKp46, offering a theoretical foundation for the research and development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidemiological studies have indicated that patients with heart failure (HF) who experience cognitive impairment (CI) have a poor prognosis. While poor self-management and compliance are suggested as contributing factors, they do not fully explain the underlying mechanisms of high risk of cardiac events in HF patients with CI. Given the interconnectedness of CI and the autonomic nervous system (ANS), both regulated by the central nervous system, this study investigated the relationship among cognitive function, metabolism in ANS-related brain regions, and major arrhythmic events (MAEs) in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Results: We retrospectively enrolled 72 patients with HFrEF who underwent gated myocardial perfusion imaging, heart and brain 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging, and cognitive testing. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination. During the follow-up period, 13 patients (17.8%) experienced MAEs. Patients with MAEs exhibited decreased cognitive function across various domains, including orientation, registration, and language and praxis (all p < 0.05). Patients with CI displayed a prolonged heart rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval and hypometabolism in the left hippocampus and bilateral caudate nuclei (all p < 0.05). Significant correlations were observed between cognitive function, QTc interval, and metabolism in ANS-related brain regions (all p < 0.05). Cox regression model analysis showed that the predictive value of cognitive function is not independent of the QTc interval and there is a significant interaction. The mediation analyses suggested that a prolonged QTc interval resulting from ANS disorder increased risk of MAEs in HFrEF patients with CI. Patients with CI exhibited reduced central autonomic network (CAN) connectivity. Conclusion: ANS dysfunction, exacerbated by reduced metabolism in ANS-related brain regions and CAN connectivity, contributed to an increased risk of MAEs in HFrEF patients with CI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effectiveness of a Low-Cost Single-Channel BCI system in improving mathematical learning outcomes, self-efficacy, and alpha power in university students. Eighty participants were randomly assigned to either a BCI group receiving real-time neurofeedback based on alpha rhythms or a sham feedback group. Results showed that the BCI group had significantly higher mathematical performance, self-efficacy, and alpha power compared to the sham feedback group. Mathematics performance, alpha wave intensity, and self-efficacy showed significant positive correlations after training, indicating that neurofeedback training may have promoted their interaction and integration. These findings demonstrate the potential of BCI technology in enhancing mathematical learning outcomes and highlight the importance of considering pre-test performance and self-efficacy in predicting learning outcomes, with implications for personalized learning interventions and the integration of BCI technology in educational settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With SARS-CoV-2 N protein as a model target, a signal-enhanced LFIA based on Au@Pt nanoparticles (NPs) as labels is proposed. This Au@Pt NPs combined the distinguished localized surface plasma resonance (LSPR) effect of Au NPs and the ultrahigh peroxidase-like catalytic activity of Pt NPs. Au@Pt NPs could trigger substrate chromogenic reaction, generating a color signal orders of magnitude darker than their intrinsic color. In the detection, after the coloration of the strips, 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and H2O2 were added, and a dark blue chelate (OxTMB) was produced soon, enhancing the band color significantly. After the signal amplification, the naked-eye detection limit for N protein reached 40 pg/mL. The detection sensitivity enhanced more than 1000 times than that without signal amplification. Compared with mainstream LFIA requiring complex readout instruments, the Au@Pt-based LFIA achieved a comparable sensitivity using naked eyes detection. This point is crucial, especially for unprofessional users or low-resource areas. Hence, this signal-enhanced LFIA may serve as a sensitive, cost-effective, and user-friendly detection method. It can shorten the testing window period and help identify early infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The permeability of blood vessels plays a crucial role in the spread of cancer cells, facilitating their metastasis at distant sites. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are known to contribute to the metastasis of various cancers by crossing the blood vessel wall. However, the role of abnormal glycoconjugates on sEVs in tumor blood vessels remains unclear. Our study found elevated levels of fucosyltransferase VII (FUT7) and its product sialyl Lewis X (sLeX) in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (BLCA), with high levels of sLeX promoting the growth and invasion of BLCA cells. Further investigation revealed that sLeX was enriched in sEVs derived from BLCA. sLeX-decorated sEVs increased blood vessel permeability by disrupting the tight junctions of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Using the glycoproteomics approach, we identified integrin α3 (ITGA3) as a sLeX-bearing glycoprotein in BLCA cells and their sEVs. Mechanically, sLeX modification stabilized ITGA3 by preventing its degradation in lysosomes. sEVs carrying sLeX-modified ITGA3 can be effectively internalized by HUVECs, leading to a decrease in the expression of tight junction protein. Conversely, silencing ITGA3 in sLeX-decorated sEVs restored tight junction proteins and reduced blood vessel permeability by inhibiting the MAPK pathway. Moreover, sLeX-modification of ITGA3 at Asn 265 in HUVECs promoted occludin dephosphorylation at Ser/Thr residues, followed by inducing its importin α1-mediated nuclear translocation, which resulted in the disruption of tight junctions. Our findings suggest a potential strategy for disrupting the formation of a metastatic microenvironment and preventing the spread of malignant bladder cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of reliable methods for producing functional endothelial cells (ECs) is crucial for progress in vascular biology and regenerative medicine. In this study, we present a streamlined and efficient methodology for the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into induced ECs (iECs) that maintain the ability to undergo vasculogenesis in vitro and in vivo using a doxycycline-inducible system for the transient expression of the ETV2 transcription factor. This approach mitigates the limitations of direct transfection methods, such as mRNA-mediated differentiation, by simplifying the protocol and enhancing reproducibility across different stem cell lines. We detail the generation of iPSCs engineered for doxycycline-induced ETV2 expression and their subsequent differentiation into iECs, achieving over 90% efficiency within four days. Through both in vitro and in vivo assays, the functionality and phenotypic stability of the derived iECs were rigorously validated. Notably, these cells exhibit key endothelial markers and capabilities, including the formation of vascular networks in a microphysiological platform in vitro and in a subcutaneous mouse model. Furthermore, our results reveal a close transcriptional and proteomic alignment between the iECs generated via our method and primary ECs, confirming the biological relevance of the differentiated cells. The high efficiency and effectiveness of our induction methodology pave the way for broader application and accessibility of iPSC-derived ECs in scientific research, offering a valuable tool for investigating endothelial biology and for the development of EC-based therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]