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Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and near-surface ozone (O3) are the main atmospheric pollutants in China. Long-term exposure to high ozone concentrations adversely affects human health. It is of great significance to systematically analyze the spatiotemporal evolution mechanism and health effects of ozone pollution. Based on the ozone data of 91 monitoring stations in the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration from 2017 to 2020, the research used Kriging method and spatial autocorrelation analysis to investigate the spatiotemporal variations of ozone concentration. Additionally, the study assessed the health effects of ozone on the population using the population exposure risk model and exposure-response relationship model. The results indicated that: (1) The number of premature deaths caused by ozone pollution in the warm season were 37,053 at 95% confidence interval (95% CI: 28,190–45,930) in 2017, 37,685 (95% CI: 28,669–46,713) in 2018, and 37,655 (95% CI: 28,647–46,676) in 2019. (2) The ozone concentration of the Central Plains urban agglomeration showed a decreasing trend throughout the year and during the warm season from 2017 to 2020, there are two peaks monthly, one is June, and the other is September. (3) In the warm season, the high-risk areas of population exposure to ozone in the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration were mainly concentrated in urban areas. In general, the population exposure risk of the south is lower than that of the north. The number of premature deaths attributed to ozone concentration during the warm season has decreased, but some southern cities such as Xinyang and Zhumadian have also seen an increase in premature deaths. China has achieved significant results in air pollution control, but in areas with high ozone concentrations and high population density, the health burden caused by air pollution remains heavy, and stricter air pollution control policies need to be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We are making progress in the fight against health-related misinformation, but mass participation and active engagement are far from adequate. Focusing on pre-professional medical students with above-average medical knowledge, our study examined whether and how third-person perceptions (TPP), which hypothesize that people tend to perceive media messages as having a greater effect on others than on themselves, would motivate their actions against misinformation. Methods: We collected the cross-sectional data through a self-administered paper-and-pencil survey of 1,500 medical students in China during April 2022. Results: Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis, showed that TPP was negatively associated with medical students' actions against digital misinformation, including rebuttal of misinformation and promotion of corrective information. However, self-efficacy and collectivism served as positive predictors of both actions. Additionally, we found professional identification failed to play a significant role in influencing TPP, while digital misinformation self-efficacy was found to broaden the third-person perceptual gap and collectivism tended to reduce the perceptual bias significantly. Conclusions: Our study contributes both to theory and practice. It extends the third-person effect theory by moving beyond the examination of restrictive actions and toward the exploration of corrective and promotional actions in the context of misinformation., It also lends a new perspective to the current efforts to counter digital misinformation; involving pre-professionals (in this case, medical students) in the fight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The balance between ubiquitination and deubiquitination is instrumental in the regulation of protein stability and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. The deubiquitinating enzyme, ubiquitin-specific protease 36 (USP36), a member of the USP family, plays a crucial role in this dynamic equilibrium by hydrolyzing and removing ubiquitin chains from target proteins and facilitating their proteasome-dependent degradation. The multifaceted functions of USP36 have been implicated in various disease processes, including cancer, infections, and inflammation, via the modulation of numerous cellular events, including gene transcription regulation, cell cycle regulation, immune responses, signal transduction, tumor growth, and inflammatory processes. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the current state of research on the roles of USP36 in different pathological conditions. By synthesizing the findings from previous studies, we have aimed to increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these diseases and identify potential therapeutic targets for their treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate real-time displacement field reconstruction based on limited measurement points is crucial for spacecraft on-orbit monitoring. This study proposes a data-driven displacement field reconstruction method called stacked convolutional autoencoder with denoising autoencoder and filter. Precise reconstruction of the structural displacement from a small number of local strains was made possible by the two primary components of the method: low-resolution displacement field reconstruction and result optimization. Given the significant imbalance between the limited strain information input and the structural displacement field output, a deep learning model with multiple deconvolution layers was built in the low-resolution displacement field reconstruction part using the layer-wise training property of a stacked autoencoder and the sparse mapping property of a convolutional neural network. The result optimization part utilized a denoising autoencoder and a linear density filter to effectively alleviate the checkerboard phenomenon and displacement field discontinuity caused by the deconvolution operation. The results of the case study indicate that the proposed method can accurately reconstruct the structural displacement field of both simple regular geometric structures and irregular geometric structures with complex boundaries without prior information. Additionally, the method exhibits excellent robustness to unavoidable measurement noise, providing a new implementation approach for real-time monitoring of spacecraft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of a laparoscope-holding robot in minimally invasive surgery enhances the efficiency and safety of the operation. However, the extra robot control task can increase the cognitive load on surgeons. A suitable interface may simplify the control task and reduce the surgeon load. Foot interfaces are commonly used for commanding laparoscope-holding robots, with two control strategies available: decoupled control permits only one Cartesian axis actuation, known as decoupled commands; hybrid control allows for both decoupled commands and multiple axes actuation, known as coupled commands. This paper aims to determine the optimal control strategy for foot interfaces by investigating two common assumptions in the literature: (1) Decoupled control is believed to result in better predictability of the final laparoscopic view orientation, and (2) Hybrid control has the efficiency advantage in laparoscope control. Our user study with 11 experienced and trainee surgeons shows that decoupled control has better predictability than hybrid control, while both approaches are equally efficient. In addition, using two surgery-like tasks in a simulator, users’ choice of decoupled and coupled commands is analysed based on their level of surgical experience and the nature of the movement. Results show that trainee surgeons tend to issue more commands than the more experienced participants. Single decoupled commands were frequently used in small view adjustments, while a mixture of coupled and decoupled commands was preferred in larger view adjustments. A guideline for foot interface control strategy selection is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A robust GNSS/UWB integration algorithm is proposed for the indoor-outdoor cross region to control the influences of observation outliers of both GNSS and UWB. An important attempt in this paper is to re-estimate the uncertainty of the virtual observations derived from the kinematic model predicted information, and the GNSS satellites as well as the UWB anchors observations by using variance component estimation. Due to the correlations of the derived observations from estimated state parameters at previous epoch, a bi-factor inflated covariance model is employed to reduce the influences of the predicted correlated observations. Accordingly, a signal variance inflation factor is employed for independent measurements. Semi-simulation and field tests are carried out to validate and analyze the performance of the proposed algorithms in terms of positioning accuracy. The simulation demonstrates that the proposed algorithm improves the positioning accuracy when outliers exist in the measurements and the correlated predicted information. The field test results show that the positioning accuracy by using the proposed methods is improved by about 56% in average of E, N, and U components compared to that of the least squares positioning strategy, and about 40% in the average of E, N, and U components compared to that of integrated positioning by EKF without companying the variance component estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In advanced liver fibrosis (LF), macrophages maintain the inflammatory environment in the liver and accelerate LF deterioration by secreting proinflammatory cytokines. However, there is still no effective strategy to regulate macrophages because of the difficulty and complexity of macrophage inflammatory phenotypic modulation and the insufficient therapeutic efficacy caused by the extracellular matrix (ECM) barrier. Here, AC73 and siUSP1 dual drug‐loaded lipid nanoparticle is designed to carry milk fat globule epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG‐E8) (named MUA/Y) to effectively inhibit macrophage proinflammatory signals and degrade the ECM barrier. MFG‐E8 is released in response to the high reactive oxygen species (ROS) environment in LF, transforming macrophages from a proinflammatory (M1) to an anti‐inflammatory (M2) phenotype and inducing macrophages to phagocytose collagen. Collagen ablation increases AC73 and siUSP1 accumulation in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and inhibits HSCs overactivation. Interestingly, complete resolution of liver inflammation, significant collagen degradation, and HSCs deactivation are observed in methionine choline deficiency (MCD) and CCl4 models after tail vein injection of MUA/Y. Overall, this work reveals a macrophage‐focused regulatory treatment strategy to eliminate LF progression at the source, providing a new perspective for the clinical treatment of advanced LF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The legs of insects play an important role in their daily behaviour, especially reproduction. Entomologists have performed much research on the role of the leg in different behaviours of beetles, an important group in the insect family, but relatively little has been done to study the ultrastructure and transcriptome of their legs. Hence, we systematically studied the ultrastructure and gene expression of the leg of G. cantor, a polygynous beetle, and compared its male and female diversity. In this study, we found the fore-leg, mid-leg and hind-leg of the female were significantly longer than those of the male. From the perspective of intuitive structural differences, we also compared the ultrastructures of the adhesion structure (tarsal) of males and females. The tarsal functional structure of the adult leg mainly includes sensilla and an adhesion structure. The sensilla on the tarsal joint mainly include sensilla chaetica (SCh II, SCh III) and sensilla trichodea (ST II). The adhesion structure includes disc-shaped bristles (di), lanceolate bristles (la), serrated bristles (se), spatula-shaped bristles (spl) and mushroom-shaped bristles (mus). Although there was no significant difference in sensillum distribution or type between males and females, there were significant differences in the distribution and species of adhesion structures between the fore-leg, mid-leg, and hind-leg of the same sex and between males and females. Therefore, different adhesion structures play different roles in various behaviours of beetles. On the other hand, the transcriptome results of male and female legs were screened for a subset of olfaction- and mechanics-related genes. We discovered that the male leg showed upregulation of 1 odorant binding protein (OBP), 2 Olfactory receptors (ORs) and 2 Chemosensory proteins (CSPs). Meanwhile, the female leg showed upregulation of 3 OBPs, 1 OR, 1 Gustatory receptor (GR) and 3 Mechanosensitive proteins (MSPs). An in-depth examination of the ultrastructure and molecular composition of the legs can elucidate its function in the reproductive behavior of G. cantor. Moremore, this investigation will serve as a cornerstone for subsequent research into the underlying behavioral mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multibeam echosounders, as the most commonly used bathymetric equipment, have been widely applied in acquiring seabed topography and underwater sonar images. However, when interference occurs in the water column, traditional bottom detection methods may fail, resulting in discontinuities in the bathymetry and distortion in the sonar images. To solve this problem, we propose an anti-interference bottom detection method based on deep learning models. First, the variation differences of backscatter strengths at different incidence angles and the failure conditions of traditional methods were analyzed. Second, the details of our deep learning models are explained. And these models were trained using samples in the specular reflection, scatter reflection, and high-incidence angle regions, respectively. Third, the bottom detection procedures of the along-track and across-track water column data using the trained models are provided. In the experiments, multibeam data with strong interferences in the water column were selected. The bottom detection results of the along-track water column data at incidence angles of 0°, 35°, and 60° and the across-track ping data validated the effectiveness of our method. By comparison, our method acquired the correct bottom position when the traditional methods had inaccurate or even no detection results. Our method can be used to supplement existing methods and effectively improve bathymetry robustness under interference conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meta-heuristic algorithms have the advantages of resilience, global optimization capacity, and coding flexibility, making them helpful in tackling difficult optimization issues. The enhanced wind-driven optimization (CHTWDO) that was proposed in this paper coupled the chaotic map approach and the hyperbolic tangent with the T-distribution mutation method. The initial air particles are evenly distributed in the system space through a tent mapping strategy. Meanwhile, the variation probability of the hyperbolic tangent model and the T-distribution variation method are used to improve the comprehensive performance of the algorithm. In this way, the global search accuracy and the ability of avoiding the extreme value of the algorithm can be taken into account. Combining the three strategies, CHTWDO had higher global search accuracy and a stronger ability to jump out of local extremum. Comparing with the eight meta-heuristic algorithms (including WDO) and the single strategy improved WDO on 24 test functions, the experimental results show that CHTWDO with two improved strategies has better convergence precision and faster convergence speed. Statistical tests such as Friedman's and Wilcoxon's rank-sum tests are used to determine significant differences between these comparison algorithms. Finally, CHTWDO also obtains the best results on four classical optimization problems in engineering applications, which verifies its practicality and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feature extraction and matching are the basic procedures of the so-called Visual Odometer (VO), Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) and many other image processing algorithms. Oriented features from accelerated segment test (FAST) and rotated binary robust independent elementary features (ORB) algorithm are widely used since they are computationally faster. In this paper, we proposed a method to generate a value for a feature, the value is called signature. In the matching step, we only compute Hamming distances of descriptors with the same signatures. Hence, the matching time is shortened. Compared with the original ORB algorithm, features to be matched dropped 69.63% on TUM datasets and 85.7% on VGG datasets by adopting our strategy. In addition, the precision is above 85% on both VGG and TUM datasets. We design a customized hardware architecture for ORB feature extraction and matching based on the proposed method. The hardware structure is implemented on Xilinx ZCU102 evaluation board. The clock frequency is set to 150 MHz. Our Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) system achieves 193 fps on 1 2 8 0 × 7 2 0 images with 1984 features on average and 314 fps on 6 4 0 × 4 8 0 images with 700 features on average, which is more efficient compared to the state-of-the-art works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe trauma could induce sepsis due to the loss of control of the infection, which may eventually lead to death. Accurate and timely diagnosis of sepsis with severe trauma remains challenging both for clinician and laboratory. Combinations of markers, as opposed to single ones, may improve diagnosis. We compared the diagnostic characteristics of routinely used biomarkers of sepsis alone and in combination, trying to define a biomarker panel to predict sepsis in severe patients. This prospective observational study included patients with severe trauma (Injury severity score, ISS = 16 or more) in the emergency intensive care unit (EICU) at a university hospital. Blood samples were collected and plasma levels of procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured using commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. A total of 100 patients were eligible for analysis. Of these, 52 were diagnosed with sepsis. CRP yielded the highest discriminative value followed by PCT. In multiple logistic regression, SAA, CRP, and PCT were found to be independent predictors of sepsis. Bioscore which was composed of SAA, CRP, and PCT was shown to be far superior to that of each individual biomarker taken individually. Therefore, compared with single markers, the biomarker panel of PCT, CRP, and SAA was more predictive of sepsis in severe polytrauma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold in Carlin-type gold ores is commonly hosted in the arsenian pyrite rim, but the formation of arsenian pyrite and its contribution to Au adsorption are poorly understood. Based on our previous NanoSIMS Au mapping, we conducted SEM and HR-TEM analyses to examine the Au deportment and nanoscale texture of individual auriferous arsenian pyrite grains from the giant Carlin-type Lannigou gold deposit, SW China. The results indicate that the arsenian pyrite rim is composed of numerous nanoparticulate pyrite grains (rather than a single crystal), and gold nanoparticles (Au0) occur mainly in sub-rim with the highest Au content, which are porous and have lower degrees of order. We propose that nanoparticulate arsenian pyrite attachment and aggregation is the main mechanism for the arsenian pyrite rim growth, and such mechanism is crucial for the Au efficient enrichment for this giant gold deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many methodologies for selecting histopathological images, such as sample image patches or segment histology from regions of interest (ROIs) or whole-slide images (WSIs), have been utilized to develop survival models. With gigapixel WSIs exhibiting diverse histological appearances, obtaining clinically prognostic and explainable features remains challenging. Therefore, we propose a novel deep learning-based algorithm combining tissue areas with histopathological features to predict cancer survival. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas Colon Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-COAD) dataset was used in this investigation. A deep convolutional survival model (DeepConvSurv) extracted histopathological information from the image patches of nine different tissue types, including tumors, lymphocytes, stroma, and mucus. The tissue map of the WSIs was segmented using image processing techniques that involved localizing and quantifying the tissue region. Six survival models with the concordance index (C-index) were used as the evaluation metrics. Results: We extracted 128 histopathological features from four histological types and five tissue area features from WSIs to predict colorectal cancer survival. Our method performed better in six distinct survival models than the Whole Slide Histopathological Images Survival Analysis framework (WSISA), which adaptively sampled patches using K-means from WSIs. The best performance using histopathological features was 0.679 using LASSO-Cox. Compared to histopathological features alone, tissue area features increased the C-index by 2.5%. Based on histopathological features and tissue area features, our approach achieved performance of 0.704 with RIDGE-Cox. Conclusions: A deep learning-based algorithm combining histopathological features with tissue area proved clinically relevant and effective for predicting cancer survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many methodologies for selecting histopathological images, such as sample image patches or segment histology from regions of interest (ROIs) or whole-slide images (WSIs), have been utilized to develop survival models. With gigapixel WSIs exhibiting diverse histological appearances, obtaining clinically prognostic and explainable features remains challenging. Therefore, we propose a novel deep learning-based algorithm combining tissue areas with histopathological features to predict cancer survival. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas Colon Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-COAD) dataset was used in this investigation. A deep convolutional survival model (DeepConvSurv) extracted histopathological information from the image patches of nine different tissue types, including tumors, lymphocytes, stroma, and mucus. The tissue map of the WSIs was segmented using image processing techniques that involved localizing and quantifying the tissue region. Six survival models with the concordance index (C-index) were used as the evaluation metrics. Results: We extracted 128 histopathological features from four histological types and five tissue area features from WSIs to predict colorectal cancer survival. Our method performed better in six distinct survival models than the Whole Slide Histopathological Images Survival Analysis framework (WSISA), which adaptively sampled patches using K-means from WSIs. The best performance using histopathological features was 0.679 using LASSO-Cox. Compared to histopathological features alone, tissue area features increased the C-index by 2.5%. Based on histopathological features and tissue area features, our approach achieved performance of 0.704 with RIDGE-Cox. Conclusions: A deep learning-based algorithm combining histopathological features with tissue area proved clinically relevant and effective for predicting cancer survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flow inside the orifices in diesel injector largely determines the injection characteristics, which further affects the performance of the diesel engine. In this paper, numerical simulation is conducted to characterize the fuel flow with characteristics of two-phase cavitation, high speed, high pressure, high turbulence intensity, and high viscosity in two crucial orifice locations. The OZ orifice is selected as a benchmark to select the appropriate turbulence model and cavitation model. The simulation results from different turbulence and cavitation models are analyzed, and the combination of the realizable k–ε turbulence model and the Zwart–Gerber–Belamri cavitation model proves to be superior. Then, based on the validated models, the compressibility and non-isothermal characteristics of the fuel and two geometric parameters of the nozzles in an injector are emphatically discussed to depict the cavitation flow. The results suggest that the compressibility and non-isothermal characteristics of fuel affect the mass flow rate, fuel flow velocity, and cavitation extent within the orifices with a maximum deviation of the mass flow rate of 7.1%. However, their influence on the orifice flow coefficient is relatively minor with a maximum deviation of 0.8%. The mass flow rate and flow coefficient are both positively correlated with the rounded edge radius and taper coefficient. A greater rounded edge radius and taper coefficient can lead to a better fuel flow capacity in the nozzle orifice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of Anti-PD-1 therapy has yielded promising outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, limited research has been conducted on the overall survival (OS) of patients with varying tumor responses and treatment duration. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed HCC patients who received sintilimab between January 2019 and December 2020 at four centers in China. The evaluation of tumor progression was based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. The study investigated the correlation between tumor response and OS, and the impact of drug use on OS following progressive disease (PD). Results: Out of 441 treated patients, 159 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. Among them, 77 patients with disease control exhibited a significantly longer OS compared to the 82 patients with PD (median OS 26.0 vs. 11.3 months, P < 0.001). Additionally, the OS of patients with objective response (OR) was better than that of patients with stable disease (P = 0.002). Among the 47 patients with PD who continued taking sintilimab, the OS was better than the 35 patients who discontinued treatment (median OS 11.4 vs. 6.9 months, P = 0.042). Conclusions: In conclusion, the tumor response in HCC patients who received sintilimab affects OS, and patients with PD may benefit from continued use of sintilimab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A green and scalable emulsion spray-coating technique is developed to prepare foam composites. • The foam composite possesses exterior superhydrophobicity and interior hydrophilicity. • ACNTs are decorated onto the skeleton of the foam with strong interfacial adhesion. • The foam composite possesses excellent corrosion resistance and durability. • Photothermally induced crude oil cleanup with a high efficiency is achieved. Chemical spills, especially oil spills, are becoming an increasingly serious environmental issue. It remains a challenge to develop green techniques to prepare mechanically robust oil–water separation materials, especially those capable of separating high-viscosity crude oils. Herein, we propose an environmentally friendly emulsion spray-coating method to fabricate durable foam composites with asymmetric wettability for oil–water separation. After the emulsion, composed of acidified carbon nanotubes (ACNTs), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and its curing agent, is sprayed onto melamine foam (MF), water in the emulsion is first evaporated, while PDMS and ACNTs are finally deposited on the foam skeleton. The foam composite exhibits gradient wettability and turns from superhydrophobicity of the top surface (the water contact angle reaches as high as 155.2°) to hydrophilicity of the interior region. The foam composite can be used for the separation of oils with different densities and has a 97% separation efficiency for chloroform. In particular, the photothermal conversion-induced temperature rise can reduce the oil viscosity and complete the high-efficiency cleanup of crude oil. This emulsion spray-coating technique and asymmetric wettability show promise for the green and low-cost fabrication of high-performance oil/water separation materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exercise rehabilitation training is an important measure for improving the prognosis of patients with hip fractures. However, the particular program that works effectively and the efficiency of exercise therapy are still controversial. Objective: To compare the effects of usual postoperative care combined with rehabilitation based on exercise prescription on motor function and complications in elderly patients who underwent surgery for hip fracture. Methods: This was an observational study. A total of 71 elderly patients with hip fractures who were treated with hip arthroplasty and internal fixation of the proximal femur with an intramedullary nail at Suzhou Municipal Hospital from October 2020 to December 2021 were included; 11 cases were excluded (eight cases were excluded due to loss of follow-up, two due to deaths from other causes, and one due to other reasons). Finally, 60 patients (18 males and 42 females) were included. Patients were randomly assigned to the control (n = 30) and experimental (n = 30) groups using a random number generator. Patients in the control group received usual postoperative care, whereas those in the experimental group received usual postoperative care combined with rehabilitation training based on the principles of exercise prescription. We recorded the motor function (Harris hip score), daily living ability (Barthel Index), and complications at discharge and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively for statistical analysis. Results: The Harris hip score and Barthel Index score were significantly higher at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively than at discharge in both groups (p < 0.05). The Harris hip score and Barthel Index score at discharge and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The incidence of complications at 6 months postoperatively was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (13% vs. 37%). Conclusions: Rehabilitation therapy based on exercise prescription helps improve hip function and the ability to perform activities of daily living and related postoperative complications after hip fracture surgery in elderly patients. The findings of our study will guide decision-making in clinical practice and improve the clinical management of hip fractures in elderly patients postoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we develop an analogue of Aubry-Mather theory for time periodic dissipative equation x ˙ = ∂ p H (x , p , t) , p ˙ = - ∂ x H (x , p , t) - f (t) p with (x , p , t) ∈ T ∗ M × T (compact manifold M without boundary). We discuss the asymptotic behaviors of viscosity solutions for the associated Hamilton-Jacobi equation ∂ t u + f (t) u + H (x , ∂ x u , t) = 0 , (x , t) ∈ M × T w.r.t. certain parameters, and analyze the meanings in controlling the global dynamics. We also discuss the prospect of applying our conclusions to many physical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the accelerated development of nanotechnology in recent years, nanomaterials have become increasingly prevalent in the medical field. The poly (lactic acid–glycolic acid) copolymer (PLGA) is one of the most commonly used biodegradable polymers. It is biocompatible and can be fabricated into various nanostructures, depending on requirements. Ischemic stroke is a common, disabling, and fatal illness that burdens society. There is a need for further improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. PLGA-based nanostructures can facilitate therapeutic compounds' passage through the physicochemical barrier. They further provide both sustained and controlled release of therapeutic compounds when loaded with drugs for the treatment of ischemic stroke. The clinical significance and potential of PLGA-based nanostructures can also be seen in their applications in cell transplantation and imaging diagnostics of ischemic stroke. This paper summarizes the synthesis and properties of PLGA and reviews in detail the recent applications of PLGA-based nanostructures for drug delivery, disease therapy, cell transplantation, and the imaging diagnosis of ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accretionary and collisional orogeny are often accompanied by the disturbance of the geothermal gradient, leading to high-temperature metamorphism. High-temperature metamorphic rocks are significant in their ability to help the reconstruction of the thermal histories of orogenic belts. The Tianshan Orogenic Belt, at the southwest margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, is a record of the long-term subduction–collision–post-collision orogenic process that has taken place in the Phanerozoic Eon. Here, we report the discovery of mafic granulites in the Muzhaerte area, SW Tianshan. Petrographic observation reveals that the mafic granulites underwent two metamorphic stages. The peak mineral assemblage of the first stage is dominated by clinopyroxene + orthopyroxene + plagioclase + quartz + hornblende (hb1) ± biotite, and the post-peak mineral assemblage of the second stage is dominated by clinopyroxene + plagioclase + quartz + hornblende (hb2) + biotite. The calculated results obtained from the two-pyroxene thermobarometers and the Al-in-hornblende barometer for the mafic granulites indicate that the metamorphic conditions of mafic granulites are 760–860 °C, <0.39–0.41 Gpa. The mafic granulites recorded a high-grade granulite facies thermal metamorphic event with the highest temperature limit currently recorded in the Central Tianshan Block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite precipitation data downscaling is gaining importance for climatic and hydrological studies at basin scale, especially in the data-scarce mountainous regions, e.g., the Upper Indus Basin (UIB). The relationship between precipitation and environmental variables is frequently utilized to statistically data and enhance spatial resolution; the non-stationary relationship between precipitation and environmental variables has not yet been completely explored. The present work is designed to downscale TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission) data from 2000 to 2017 in the UIB, using stepwise regression analysis (SRA) to filter environmental variables first and a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model to downscale the data later. As a result, monthly and annual precipitation data with a high spatial resolution (1 km × 1 km) were obtained. The study's findings showed that elevation, longitude, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and latitude, with the highest correlations with precipitation in the UIB, are the most important variables for downscaling. Environmental variable filtration followed by GWR model downscaling performed better than GWR model downscaling directly when compared with observation data. Generally, the SRA and GWR method are suitable for environmental variable filtration and TRMM data downscaling, respectively, over the complex and heterogeneous topography of the UIB. We conclude that the monthly non-stationary relationships between precipitation and variables exist and have the greatest potential to affect downscaling, which requires the most attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) with machine learning (ML) is revolutionizing how services and applications impact our daily lives. In traditional ML methods, data are collected and processed centrally. However, modern IoT networks face challenges in implementing this approach due to their vast amount of data and privacy concerns. To overcome these issues, federated learning (FL) has emerged as a solution. FL allows ML methods to achieve collaborative training by transferring model parameters instead of client data. One of the significant challenges of federated learning is that IoT devices as clients usually have different computation and communication capacities in a dynamic environment. At the same time, their network availability is unstable, and their data quality varies. To achieve high-quality federated learning and handle these challenges, designing the proper client selection process and methods are essential, which involves selecting suitable clients from the candidates. This study presents a comprehensive systematic literature review (SLR) that focuses on the challenges of client selection (CS) in the context of federated learning (FL). The objective of this SLR is to facilitate future research and development of CS methods in FL. Additionally, a detailed and in-depth overview of the CS process is provided, encompassing its abstract implementation and essential characteristics. This comprehensive presentation enables the application of CS in diverse domains. Furthermore, various CS methods are thoroughly categorized and explained based on their key characteristics and their ability to address specific challenges. This categorization offers valuable insights into the current state of the literature while also providing a roadmap for prospective investigations in this area of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yanshan intraplate tectonic belt is a tectonic-active area in the central part of the North China Craton that has undergone long-term orogenic evolution. Detailed studies on magmatic activity and metamorphism of this belt are significant for restoring its orogenic thermal evolution process. The Fangshan pluton in the Zhoukoudian area within this tectonic belt is a product of the late Mesozoic Yanshan event. However, there is a lack of detailed research on the metamorphic evolution history of the ancient terrane surrounding the Fangshan pluton subjected to contact thermal metamorphism. To further constrain the metamorphic P–T evolution of contact metamorphism associated with the Fangshan pluton, we collected rock samples in the andalusite–biotite contact metamorphic zone of the Fangshan pluton, and conducted petrographic investigations, geochemical and mineral composition analysis, and phase equilibrium modeling. The phase equilibrium modeling in the MnO–Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–O system indicates that the peak mineral assemblages of andalusite–biotite schists are pl + q + mu + bi + and ± kfs + ilm + mt, formed at 550 to 610 °C, 1 to 3.5 kbar, and the peak mineral assemblage of garnet–andalusite–cordierite–biotite schists is gt + pl + q + bi + and + cord + ilm + mt, formed at 580 to 620 °C, 1.5 to 2.1 kbar. Therefore, we believe that the rocks in the andalusite biotite contact metamorphic zone of the Fangshan pluton underwent low pressure and medium temperature metamorphism, with the peak metamorphic conditions of about 550–610 °C, <3.5 kbar. The results show that the rocks in contact with the thermal metamorphic zone were rapidly heated by the heat released by the Fangshan pluton, and after reaching the peak metamorphic temperature, they were cooled down simultaneously with the cooling of the rock mass, defined in a nearly isobaric P–T trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Insulin resistance (IR) could be regarded as a therapeutic target for metabolic diseases. Therefore, multiple therapeutic strategies that target IR should be applied to provide a more effective means of treatment. It aims to determine Tuina's efficacy and safety for IR through this systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: From the inception to July 31, 2023, we will search four English databases (Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science) and two Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure and the Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database). We will search and include studies of both human and animal models that evaluate Tuina's effects on insulin sensitivity or resistance. Data selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment will be made by two independent reviewers. We will evaluate the methodological quality of all included studies and conduct meta-analyses using Review Manager Software 5.4.1. Discussion: In both animal and human studies, the effects and safety of Tuina for IR will be evaluated. The evidence generated bythis study will validate effects and safety of Tuinain treating IR and inform future research and clinical decision-making. Trail registration: PROSPERO Registration ID: CRD42022360128. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Solar-based interface evaporation (SIE) is a green, efficient and cost-effective technique to harvest fresh water. 3D solar evaporators show their unique advantages in gaining energy from environment and hence possess a higher evaporation rate than 2D evaporators. However, much effort is still required to develop mechanically robust and superhydrophilic 3D evaporators with strong water transportation capability and salt-rejection performance, and at the same time reveal how they gain energy from environment via the natural evaporation. In this work, a novel carbon nanofiber reinforced carbon aerogel (CNFA) is prepared for the SIE. The CNFA has a high light absorption up to 97.2% and outstanding photothermal conversion performance. The heteroatom doping and hierarchically porous structure endow the CNFA with superhydrophilicity and thus powerful water transportation capability and salt rejection performance. Benefiting from synergy of the SIE and side wall induced natural evaporation, the CNFA evaporator exhibits a high evaporation rate and efficiency (as high as 3.82 kg m-2h−1 and 95.5%, respectively) with long-term stability and durability. The CNFA can also work normally in high-salinity and corrosive seawater. This study demonstrates a new method to fabricate all-carbon aerogel solar evaporators and provides insights for the effective thermal management during the interface evaporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The one-way transportation of liquids plays an important role in smart and wearable electronics. Here, we report an asymmetric nanofibrous membrane (ANM) with unidirectional water transport (UWT) capability by integrating one superhydrophilic MXene/Chitosan/Polyurethane (PU) nanofiber membrane (MCPNM) and one ultrathin hydrophobic PU/Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) layer with a "bead-on-string" structure. The UWT performance shows long-term stability and can be well maintained during the cyclic stretching, abrasion and ultrasonic washing tests. The ANM exhibits negative temperature coefficient and is served as a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature variation of the environment, which can provide efficient alarm signals in a hot or cold condition. When attached on person's skin, the ANM displays a unique anti-gravity UWT behavior. The stretchable, wearable and multi-functional nanofibrous composite membrane with an asymmetric wettability shows potential applications in flexible and wearable electronics, health monitoring, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forest fire burned area is one of the most basic factors used to describe forest fires and plays a vital role in damage assessment. The development of the NSSI-NDVI vegetation index triangular space method enables simultaneous calculation of the flammable non-photosynthetic vegetation (NPV), combustible photosynthetic vegetation (PV), and incombustible bare soil (BS) fractional cover in forest areas. This can be used to compensate for the calculation method that was based on NDVI vegetation index only by comparing vegetation cover before and after forest fires, with the omission of the NPV burned area. To this end, the NSSI-NDVI triangular space shape consistency before and after forest fires was elucidated through combustion and ash wetting experiments. In addition, the feasibility of the NSSI-NDVI triangular space method for the accurate calculation of the post-fire vegetation damage area was verified. Finally, the applicability and accuracy of this research method were verified based on 10 m spatial resolution satellite hyperspectral images from before and after the forest fire in Lushan, Sichuan Province, China. The NSSI-NDVI triangular space method was used to calculate the PV, NPV, and BS coverage simultaneously, and component transformation was used to calculate the burned area and burned site separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The connexin gene family is the most prevalent gene that contributes to hearing loss. Connexins 26 and 30, encoded by GJB2 and GJB6, respectively, are the most abundantly expressed connexins in the inner ear. Connexin 43, which is encoded by GJA1, appears to be widely expressed in various organs, including the heart, skin, the brain, and the inner ear. The mutations that arise in GJB2, GJB6, and GJA1 can all result in comprehensive or non-comprehensive genetic deafness in newborns. As it is predicted that connexins include at least 20 isoforms in humans, the biosynthesis, structural composition, and degradation of connexins must be precisely regulated so that the gap junctions can properly operate. Certain mutations result in connexins possessing a faulty subcellular localization, failing to transport to the cell membrane and preventing gap junction formation, ultimately leading to connexin dysfunction and hearing loss. In this review, we provide a discussion of the transport models for connexin 43, connexins 30 and 26, mutations affecting trafficking pathways of these connexins, the existing controversies in the trafficking pathways of connexins, and the molecules involved in connexin trafficking and their functions. This review can contribute to a new way of understanding the etiological principles of connexin mutations and finding therapeutic strategies for hereditary deafness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The receptor-like kinase (RLK) gene families in plants contains a large number of members. They are membrane proteins with an extracellular receptor domain and participate in biotic and abiotic stress responses. Results: In this study, we identified RLKs in 15 representative plant genomes, including wheat, and classified them into 64 subfamilies by using four types of phylogenetic trees and HMM models. Conserved exon‒intron structures with conserved exon phases in the kinase domain were found in many RLK subfamilies from Physcomitrella patens to Triticum aestivum. Domain distributions of RLKs were also diagrammed. Collinearity events and tandem gene clusters suggested that polyploidization and tandem duplication events contributed to the member expansions of T. aestivum RLKs. Global expression pattern analysis was performed by using public transcriptome data. These analyses were involved in T. aestivum, Aegilops tauschii and Brachypodium distachyon RLKs under biotic and abiotic stresses. We also selected 9 RLKs to validate the transcriptome prediction by using qRT‒PCR under drought treatment and with Fusarium graminearum infection. The expression trends of these 9 wheat RLKs from public transcriptome data were consistent with the results of qRT‒PCR, indicating that they might be stress response genes under drought or F. graminearum treatments. Conclusion: In this study, we identified, classified, evolved, and expressed RLKs in wheat and related plants. Thus, our results will provide insights into the evolutionary history and molecular mechanisms of wheat RLKs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolutionary game theory on complex networks provides an effective theoretical tool to explain the emergence of sustained cooperative behavior. Human society has formed various organizational networks. The network structure and individual behavior take on a variety of forms. This diversity provides the basis for choice, so it is crucial for the emergence of cooperation. This article provides a dynamic algorithm for individual network evolution, and calculates the importance of different nodes in the network evolution process. In the dynamic evolution simulation, the probability of the cooperation strategy and betrayal strategy is described. In the individual interaction network, cooperative behavior will promote the continuous evolution of individual relationships and form a better aggregative interpersonal network. The interpersonal network of betrayal has been in a relatively loose state, and its continuity must rely on the participation of new nodes, but there will be certain "weak links" in the existing nodes of the network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specimens of Clavulinopsis (Clavariaceae, Agaricales) collected in China were studied using morphological and molecular methods. Six species—C. aspersa, C. bicolor, C. bispora, C. erubescens, C. incarnata, and C. tropicalis—are described as new to science, and C. trigonospora is a newly recorded species in China. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted based on a combined dataset of internal transcribed spacer and nuclear ribosomal RNA large subunit sequences. The phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that the six new species each formed an independent lineage, and the samples of C. trigonospora from China were nested with accessions of C. trigonospora collected from Italy. The morphology of the seven Chinese species is described in detail, and is illustrated with line drawings and photographs. A key to the known Clavulinopsis species in China is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a simple, fast, and cost-effective method for creating metal/SU-8 nanocomposites by applying a metal precursor drop onto the surface or nanostructure of SU-8 and exposing it to UV light. No pre-mixing of the metal precursor with the SU-8 polymer or pre-synthesis of metal nanoparticles is required. A TEM analysis was conducted to confirm the composition and depth distribution of the silver nanoparticles, which penetrate the SU-8 film and uniformly form the Ag/SU-8 nanocomposites. The antibacterial properties of the nanocomposites were evaluated. Moreover, a composite surface with a top layer of gold nanodisks and a bottom layer of Ag/SU-8 nanocomposites was produced using the same photoreduction process with gold and silver precursors, respectively. The reduction parameters can be manipulated to customize the color and spectrum of various composite surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textual analysis and the Entropy-TOPSIS method are used in this research to create a measure of corporate environmental protection, and multiple regressions are used to find out how digitalization affects corporate environmental protection. The research sets up a theoretical framework for how corporate digitalization affects environmental protection and looks into how external financing constraints and an organization's own financial position play a role in the middle. The research then looks at how outside factors like the business environment of the market and the level of competition in the industry affect the relationship. Using a threshold regression approach, the research also examines the change in the impact of digitalization on environmental protection after investor sentiment crosses the threshold from the distinct perspective of investor sentiment. Our research provides theoretical support for environmental protection by corporations and government policy direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After anastomosis of sutures or pins, the restoration of intestinal barrier function can avoid several complications, such as tissue damage and inflammation. Our previous studies demonstrated the feasibility of biodegradable magnesium (Mg) pins as novel anastomosing implants to spontaneously absorb in the body, avoiding secondary removal surgery and long-term inflammation. However, the effect of Mg pins on the intestinal tight junction barrier is rarely investigated. In this study, we conducted high-purity Mg pins inserted in the intestine of rats and prepared Mg extracts cultured intestinal epithelial cell line to investigate the biological effect on the intestinal barrier associated with tight junction protein expression. We discovered that the concentration of released Mg ions over 1.7 mM was the critical threshold, above which mRNA expression of intestinal tight junction and cell apoptosis were affected considerably. Results of the immunohistochemical analysis revealed that Mg functions to stimulate ZO-1, caspase-3, occluding, and claudin-3 expressions. We offer new insight into the effectiveness of biodegradable Mg materials as the next generation of intestinal anastomosis pins, which effectively filters toxins as well as bacteria, and reduces inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study was designed to investigate the effect of endocrine metabolic factors on hemocyte parameters, tumor markers, and blood electrolytes in patients with hyperglycemia. Methods. In this study, 1791 patients with hyperglycemia were recruited and grouped according to different testing indexes, and their medical records and laboratory indexes were recorded and analyzed. Results. In adult patients with hyperglycemia, we found that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was negatively correlated with white blood cell (WBC) and could exert an effect on WBC; triglyceride (TG) level was positively associated with lymphocyte (LYM#); age, TG, and P affected the level of LYM#; and uric acid (UA) level was positively related to eosinophil (EO#). Besides, age was positively correlated with red blood cell distribution width-coefficient of variation (RDW-CV) level; fasting blood glucose (FBG) and serum phosphorus (P) were negatively correlated with RDW-CV level; and age, creatinine (Cre), FBG, HDL-C, and P were influencing factors of RDW-CV level in adult hyperglycemic patients. HDL-C was negatively correlated with fibrinogen (Fib) level, and age, HDL-C, serum kalium (K), serum sodium (Na), and body mass index (BMI) were the influencing factors of Fib levels. TG was positively associated with neuron-specific enolase (NSE) level and affected the NSE level. Serum magnesium (Mg) was negatively related to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level, and sex, age, FBG, Mg, and BMI could have an effect on CEA level. As well, age and FBG were positively associated with carbohydrate antigen 50 (CA50) levels, UA was negatively correlated with CA50 levels, and age, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), UA, and FBG were the influencing factors of CA50 levels. FBG was negatively related to Mg levels; K, serum zinc (Zn), and fasting C-peptide (C-P) were positively correlated with Mg levels; and FBG, K, Zn, and C-P had an effect on Mg levels. Conclusion. Endocrine metabolic factors are closely related to hemocyte parameters, tumor markers, and blood electrolytes in patients with hyperglycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Tacrolimus is recommended by KDIGO Clinical Practice Guidelines as an initial therapy for the treatment of membranous nephropathy (MN). However, little is known about the factors that influence response and recurrence of the disease after tacrolimus therapy, and there are limited data regarding the duration of tacrolimus treatment. Here, we present a real-world retrospective cohort study of 182 MN patients treated with tacrolimus, aiming to assess the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus in the treatment of MN. Patients and Methods: The clinical data of 182 patients with MN treated with tacrolimus and followed up for at least one year were analyzed retrospectively for the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus. Results: The mean follow-up period was 27.3 (19.3– 41.6) months. A total of 154 patients (84.6%) achieved complete or partial remission, and 28 patients (15.4%) did not. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that male and higher baseline BMI were independently associated with lower, while higher serum albumin was associated with higher probability of remission. Among the responders, 56 patients (36.4%) relapsed. After adjustments for age and sex, Cox regression analysis revealed that the longer period of full-dose tacrolimus was administered, the lower the incidence of relapse. However, high levels of serum creatinine and proteinuria at the onset of tacrolimus discontinuation were risk factors for relapse. During the treatment of tacrolimus, a decline in renal function (≥ 50% increase in serum creatinine after the onset of tacrolimus treatment) was the most common adverse reaction, observed in 20 (11.0%) patients, followed by elevated blood glucose and infection, but the latter two occurred mostly during treatment with tacrolimus plus corticosteroids. Conclusion: Tacrolimus is effective in the treatment of MN, but the relapse rate is high. Clinical studies with larger sample sizes are needed to further explore the use of tacrolimus in the treatment of membranous nephropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of colorectal cancer among the middle-aged and elderly is gradually increasing in China. Colonoscopy is an effective method for the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer, and bowel preparation is one of many important factors affecting colonoscopy. Although there are many studies on intestinal cleansers, the results are not ideal. There is evidence that hemp seed oil has certain potential effects in intestinal cleansing, but prospective studies on this topic are still lacking. Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind, single-center clinical study. We randomly assigned 690 participants to groups each administered 3 L of polyethylene glycol (PEG), 30 mL of hemp seed oil and 2 L of PEG, or 30 mL of hempseed oil, 2 L of PEG, and 1000 mL of 5% sugar brine. The Boston Bowel Preparation Scale was considered the primary outcome measure. We evaluated the interval between consumption of bowel preparation and first bowel movement. Secondary indicators included the time of cecal intubation, detection rate of polyps and adenomas, willingness to repeat the same bowel preparation, whether the protocol was tolerated, and whether there were adverse reactions during bowel preparation and were evaluated after counting the total number of bowel movements. Discussion: This study aimed to test the hypothesis that hemp seed oil (30 mL) increases the quality of bowel preparation and reduces the amount of PEG. Previously, we found that its combination with 5% sugar brine can reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200057626. Prospectively registered on March 15, 2022 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micropile groups (MPGs) are an effective means of geological disaster prevention for small- and medium-sized landslides, with the advantages of light structures and convenient construction. However, the mechanical and deformation characteristics of MPGs are complex, and their practical application is ahead of theoretical research, which greatly limits the popularization and application of MPGs. This paper conducts a series of centrifuge model tests to investigate the mechanical and deformation characteristics and the antislip mechanism of MPGs, then compare them with those of conventional piles (CPs). In particular, MPGs with and without the platform in the strengthening process of the talus slope are compared, and monitoring the reinforcement effect of MPGs subjected to gravity loading. The results suggest that the soil pressure shows a triangular distribution pattern and is influenced by the position of the potential slip zone and the geometry of the bedrock surface. The compatibility deformation of the pile–soil leads to the stress release of the soil behind the pile, which is an important part affecting the antislip mechanism of the MPG. The platform limits 75% of the pile top displacement of the MPG and simultaneously redistributes the stress of the piles, providing a better overall antislip effect of the pile–soil composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the association of thigh muscle fat infiltration by quantitative MRI with muscle strength in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Seventy T2DM patients and sixty control subjects (71 males; age: 52 ± 8 years) underwent 3.0T MRI and isokinetic muscle strength measurements to obtain the skeletal muscle index (SMI), intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) proton density fat fraction (PDFF), intramuscular fat (IMF) PDFF, peak torque (PT) and total work (TW) of knee extensors and flexors. The differences of measurements between T2DM patients and asymptomatic volunteers were compared. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine significant predictors of thigh extension and flexion strength. The SMI, IMAT and IMF PDFF of thigh muscles in T2DM patients were higher than that in the control group (p < 0.001), while PT and TW were lower than those in the control subjects (p < 0.05). Both IMF and IMAT PDFF were negatively correlated with PT, TW in participants with T2DM (extensors: r = − 0.72, − 0.70, p < 0.001; r = − 0.62, − 0.56, p < 0.05. flexors: r = − 0.37, − 0.43, p < 0.05; r = − 0.39, − 0.46, p < 0.05). Moderate and strong correlations between HOMA-IR and muscle strength measurements, muscle PDFFs were observed in extensors and flexors. IMF PDFF and age were the statistically significant predictor of PT and TW of extensors of thigh in multivariate regression analysis. Therefore, the thigh muscle PDFF increased was associated with muscle strength decreased in T2DM patients beyond SMI. Age are also important factors influencing thigh muscle PDFF and strength in T2DM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a common malignant tumor, the morbidity and mortality of lung cancer have been rising in recent years. The concept of "premetastatic niche" may lead to a revolutionary change in antitumor metastasis therapeutic strategies. Traditional Chinese medicine with multitargets and lower poisonous agents may be a potentially effective means to intervene in the "premetastatic niche (PMN)" to prevent and treat tumor metastasis. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is a substance with strong immune activity in Astragalus membranaceus that has excellent biological activities such as immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor. In this study, we constructed a tumor lung metastasis animal model to explore the intervention mechanism of APS on the premetastatic niche. We found that APS inhibited the formation of the lung premetastatic niche and inhibited the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the lung. Mechanistically, we showed that the proteins and gene expression of S1PR1, STAT3, and p-STAT3 in the S1PR1/STAT3 signaling pathway were suppressed by APS. In line with the above findings, our results confirmed that APS may inhibit the accumulation of MDSCs in the premetastatic niche through the intervention of the S1PR1-STAT3 signaling pathway to achieve the antitumor effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supersonic gas jets generated via a conical nozzle are widely applied in the laser wakefield acceleration of electrons. The stability of the gas jet is critical to the electron injection and the reproducibility of the wakefield acceleration. Here we discussed the role of the stilling chamber in a modified converging--diverging nozzle to dissipate the turbulence and to stabilize the gas jets. By the fluid dynamics simulations and the Mach--Zehnder interferometer measurements, the instability originating from the nonlinear turbulence is studied and the mechanism to suppress the instability is proposed. Both the numerical and experimental results prove that the carefully designed nozzle with a stilling chamber is able to reduce the perturbation by more than 10% compared with a simple-conical nozzle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To explore the effects and mechanisms of Bufei Huoxue Capsule (BHC) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) based on network pharmacology. Methods. The effective components and related targets of BHC were collected by searching TCMSP, HERB, and ETCM databases, after which the related targets of COPD were obtained on GeneCards and OMIM databases. The common targets were imported into the STRING database and Cytoscape database to construct a target interaction network and screen core targets. Next, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the Metascape platform. According to the prediction results of network pharmacology, the action mechanism was further examined in an animal model of COPD. The pathological changes of lung tissue were observed by HE staining; goblet cells and mucus secretion in lung tissue were observed by AB-PAS staining, airway collagen deposition was observed by Masson staining, and the expression of NE, TGF-β1, P-EGFR/EGFR, P-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, P-JNK/JNK, and P-P38/P38MAPK protein was detected by Western blot analysis. Results. A total of 379 targets related to BHC and 7391 targets related to COPD were obtained, including 313 potential targets of BHC in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with JUN, AKT1, TNF, IL6, EGFR, MAPK1, and MAPK14 as the core targets. Through enrichment analysis, BHC may interfere with COPD by regulating the MAPK signal pathway, HIF-1 signal pathway, NF-κB signal pathway, cAMP signal pathway, cGMP-PKG signal pathway, and so on. Animal experiments showed that the BHC could reduce airway inflammatory cell infiltration, inhibit airway epithelial goblet cell proliferation, reduce mucus secretion, and improve small airway collagen fiber deposition in COPD model rats. Besides, BHC could downregulate the protein expression of NE, TGF-β1, P-EGFR, P-ERK1/2, and P-P38MAPK. Conclusion. BHC can reduce airway inflammation, inhibit mucus hypersecretion, and improve airway remodeling by regulating the MAPK signal transduction pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypotension induced by spinal anaesthesia is a common clinical complication associated with multiple perioperative adverse events. We conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis to confirm whether ondansetron could alleviate hypotension following spinal anaesthesia. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify eligible randomised controlled trials from their respective database inception dates to 30 September 2022. The primary outcome of the meta-analysis was the incidence of hypotension after spinal anaesthesia. The risk of bias in the included studies was evaluated using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2.0). Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was applied to assess the level of certainty. A total of 25 studies were included in this research. The meta-analysis revealed that ondansetron significantly decreased the incidence of hypotension (RR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.53–0.80, p < 0.01, I2 = 64%) and bradycardia. In addition, patients treated with ondansetron had a reduced need for vasopressors administration. This study suggests that ondansetron may be recommended as a prophylaxis for hypotension and bradycardia following spinal anaesthesia; the level of evidence was moderate with a high level of heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For attack detection in the smart grid, transfer learning is a promising solution to tackle data distribution divergence and maintain performance when facing system and attack variations. However, there are still two challenges when introducing transfer learning into intrusion detection: when to apply transfer learning and how to extract effective features during transfer learning. To address these two challenges, this paper proposes a transferability analysis and domain-adversarial training (TADA) framework. The framework first leverages various data distribution divergence metrics to predict the accuracy drop of a trained model and decides whether one should trigger transfer learning to retain performance. Then, a domain-adversarial training model with CNN and LSTM is developed to extract the spatiotemporal domain-invariant features to reduce distribution divergence and improve detection performance. The TADA framework is evaluated in extensive experiments where false data injection (FDI) attacks are injected at different times and locations. Experiments results show that the framework has high accuracy in accuracy drop prediction, with an RMSE lower than 1.79%. Compared to the state-of-the-art models, TADA demonstrates the highest detection accuracy, achieving an average accuracy of 95.58%. Moreover, the robustness of the framework is validated under different attack data percentages, with an average F1-score of 92.02%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To estimate the incidence of foodborne gastroenteritis caused by nontyphoidal Salmonella enterica, Shigella, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in China, population surveys and sentinel hospital surveillance were implemented in six provinces from July 2010 to July 2011, and a multiplier calculation model for the burden of disease was constructed. The multiplier for salmonellosis and V. parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis was estimated at 4,137 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2,320–5,663], and for shigellosis at 4,356 (95% CI 2,443–5,963). Annual incidence per 100,000 population was estimated as 245 (95% CI 138–336), 67 (95% CI 38–92), and 806 (95% CI 452–1,103) for foodborne salmonellosis, shigellosis, and V. parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis, respectively, indicating that foodborne infection caused by these three pathogens constitutes an important burden to the Chinese healthcare system. Continuous implementation of active surveillance of foodborne diseases, combined with multiplier models to estimate disease burden, makes it possible for us to better understand food safety status in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi-layer lattice-filled sandwich structures have good application prospects for multi-physics problems; however, high-precision numerical analysis methods are lacking. Recently, the newly proposed asymptotic homogenization method called the novel numerical implementation of asymptotic homogenization (NIAH) was further developed based on the Mindlin plate theory, which is a potential method for overcoming the above limitation. This study investigates the feasibility of this method for Bi-layer lattice-filled sandwich structures. The obtained results are compared to those from homogenization methods developed based on the Kirchhoff theory, and accordingly, the influence of the shear effect on the accuracy of the structural responses of the considered structures is studied. Subsequently, the impacts of the size effect, macrostructure type, and lattice type are also considered. The analysis results showed that, for most cases, the NIAH method can yield high-precision results for Bi-layer lattice-filled sandwich structures. When the number of lattice cells is insufficient or different layers of the lattice have excessive differences in their stiffness, the accuracy of the results obtained using the NIAH method is degraded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As high-quality substitutes for conventional catalysts, the bifunctional catalytic properties of the coating of transition-metal-based materials are pivotal for improving water-splitting efficiency. Herein, cobalt-molybdenum bimetallic phosphide nanofibers (CoMoP NFs) were synthesized via a series of facile strategies, which are divided into pyrolysis electrospun PAN and metal salts, to obtain one-dimensional morphology and a gas-solid phosphating precursor. The obtained CoMoP NFs catalyst has superior catalytic activity performance in 1M KOH. Serving as an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst, the electrode of the CoMoP NFs affords different kinds of current densities at 50 mA cm−2 and 100 mA cm−2, with low overpotentials of 362 and 391 mV, respectively. In addition, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance of the CoMoP NFs mainly shows when under a low overpotential of 126 mV, which can deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2. In order to further detect the stability of the catalyst, we used multiple cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry tests for OERs and HERs, which maintain performance and carry a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for longer. As an integrated high-performance bifunctional electrode for overall water splitting, the CoMoP NFs only require 1.75 V@10 mA cm−2 for 40 h. This work highlights a facile method to create an electrocatalyst with fiber nanostructures which possesses excellent activity as an alkaline electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]