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Abstract We study the mass spectra of hidden-charm tetraquark systems with quantum numbers (I G )J P = (1+)1+ (and their I = 1 2 $$ \frac{1}{2} $$ partners) using QCD sum rules. The analysis incorporates the complete next-to-leading order (NLO) contribution to the perturbative QCD part of the operator product expansions, with particular attention to operator mixing effects due to renormalization group evolution. We find that both the parametric dependence and the perturbative convergence are significantly improved for the two mixed operators J 1 , 5 Mixed $$ {J}_{1,5}^{\textrm{Mixed}} $$ and J 2 , 6 Mixed $$ {J}_{2,6}^{\textrm{Mixed}} $$ , compared with those for the unmixed meson-meson or diquark-antidiquark type ones. For the d ¯ c c ¯ u $$ \overline{d}c\overline{c}u $$ system, the masses of J 1 , 5 Mixed $$ {J}_{1,5}^{\textrm{Mixed}} $$ and J 2 , 6 Mixed $$ {J}_{2,6}^{\textrm{Mixed}} $$ are determined to be 3.89 − 0.12 + 0.18 $$ {3.89}_{-0.12}^{+0.18} $$ GeV and 4.03 − 0.07 + 0.06 $$ {4.03}_{-0.07}^{+0.06} $$ GeV, respectively, closely matching those of Z c (3900) and Z c (4020). Similarly, for the s ¯ c c ¯ u $$ \overline{s}c\overline{c}u $$ states, the masses of J 1 , 5 Mixed $$ {J}_{1,5}^{\textrm{Mixed}} $$ and J 2 , 6 Mixed $$ {J}_{2,6}^{\textrm{Mixed}} $$ are found to be 4.02 − 0.09 + 0.17 $$ {4.02}_{-0.09}^{+0.17} $$ GeV and 4.21 − 0.07 + 0.08 $$ {4.21}_{-0.07}^{+0.08} $$ GeV, respectively, in close proximity to Z cs (3985)/Z cs (4000) and Z cs (4220), consistent with the expectation that they are the partners of Z c (3900) and Z c (4020). Our results highlight the crucial role of operator mixing, an inevitable effect in a complete NLO calculation, in achieving a robust phenomenological description for the tetraquark system.

Abstract Thermosensation is vital for the survival, propagation, and adaption of all organisms, but its mechanism is not fully understood yet. Here, we find that TMC6, a membrane protein of unknown function, is highly expressed in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and functions as a Gαq-coupled G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-like receptor to sense noxious heat. TMC6-deficient mice display a substantial impairment in noxious heat sensation while maintaining normal perception of cold, warmth, touch, and mechanical pain. Further studies show that TMC6 interacts with Gαq via its intracellular C-terminal region spanning Ser780 to Pro810. Specifically disrupting such interaction using polypeptide in DRG neurons, genetically ablating Gαq, or pharmacologically blocking Gαq-coupled GPCR signaling can replicate the phenotype of TMC6 deficient mice regarding noxious heat sensation. Noxious heat stimulation triggers intracellular calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of TMC6- but not control vector-transfected HEK293T cell, which can be significantly inhibited by blocking PLC or IP3R. Consistently, noxious heat-induced intracellular Ca2+ release from ER and action potentials of DRG neurons largely reduced when ablating TMC6 or blocking Gαq/PLC/IP3R signaling pathway as well. In summary, our findings indicate that TMC6 can directly function as a Gαq-coupled GPCR-like receptor sensing noxious heat.

Abstract Background The vaccination status of post-stroke patients, who are at high risk of severe outcomes from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a significant concern, yet it remains unclear. We aimed to explore the vaccination status, factors associated with vaccine hesitancy, and adverse effects after vaccination among post-stroke patients. Methods This multi-center observational study enrolled hospitalized post-stroke patients from six Chinese hospitals (Oct 1, 2020 - Mar 31, 2021), examining vaccine uptake and self-reported reasons for vaccine hesitancy, utilizing logistic regression to investigate risk factors for vaccine hesitancy, and recording any adverse reactions post-vaccination. Results Of the total 710 post-stroke patients included in the study, 430 (60.6%) had completed the recommended full-3 dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, with 176 (24.8%) remaining unvaccinated. The most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy were concerns about vaccine side effects (41.5%) and impaired mobility (33.9%). Logistic regression identified advanced age (aOR = 1.97, 95%CI: 1.36–2.85, P = 0.001), lower Barthel Index score (aOR = 0.88, 95%CI: 0.82–0.93, P = 0.018), higher Modified Rankin Scale score (aOR = 1.85, 95%CI: 1.32–2.56, P = 0.004), and poorer usual activity level of EuroQol 5-Dimension (aOR = 2.82, 95%CI: 1.51–5.28, P = 0.001) as independent risk factors for vaccine hesitancy. Approximately 14.8% reported minor adverse reactions, mainly pain at the injection site. Conclusion We found that post-stroke patients have insufficient SARS-CoV-2 vaccination rates, with key risk factors for vaccine hesitancy including concerns about side effects, advanced age, and functional impairments. No severe adverse reactions were observed among the vaccinated population.

Abstract Wavefront control is the fundamental requirement in optical informatics. Planar optics have drawn intensive attention due to the merits of compactness and light weight. However, it remains a challenge to freely manipulate the dispersion, hindering practical applications, especially in imaging. Here, we propose the concept of frequency-synthesized phase engineering to solve this problem. A phasefront-frequency matrix is properly designed to encode different spatial phases to separate frequencies, thus makes arbitrary dispersion tailoring and even frequency-separated functionalization possible. The periodically rotated director endows cholesteric liquid crystal with a spin and frequency selective reflection. Moreover, via presetting the local initial orientation of liquid crystal, geometric phase is encoded to the reflected light. We verify the proposed strategy by cascading the chiral anisotropic optical media of specifically designed helical pitches and initial director orientations. By this means, planar lenses with RGB achromatic, enhanced chromatic aberration and color routing properties are demonstrated. Inch-sized and high-efficient lenses are fabricated with low crosstalk among colors. It releases the freedom of dispersion control of planar optics, and even enables frequency decoupled phase modulations. This work brings new insights to functional planar optics and may upgrade the performance of existing optical apparatuses.

Marine toxins pose a significant safety risk, leading to human intoxications and causing substantial economic losses in seafood-producing regions. The development of rapid, cost-effective, efficient, and reliable approaches for the containment of these substances is therefore crucial in order to mitigate the adverse impact of marine toxins. This research conducted a comprehensive review on the toxicity and influencing factors of marine toxins production. Additionally, depuration technologies, including adsorption, advanced oxidation processes, biodegradation, heating treatment, temporary maintenance and purification, and drug inhibition, were systematically summarized. The study also provided a comparative analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of various depuration technologies and proposed strategies for future development.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to study the association of perioperative administration of renin angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) and clinical outcomes of patients with heart failure (HF) undergoing cardiac surgery.Summary background dataIt is controversial whether the perioperative RASi should be administered in HF patients undergoing cardiac surgery.MethodsA total of 2338 patients with HF and undergoing CABG and/or valve surgeries at multiple hospitals from 2001 to 2015 were identified from STS database. After adjustment using propensity score and instrumental variable, logistic regression was conducted to analyze the influence of preoperative continuation of RASi (PreRASi) on short-term in-hospital outcomes. Independent risk factors of 30-day mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and renal failure were analyzed by use of stepwise logistic regression. The effects of pre- and postoperative use of RASi (PostRASi) on long-term mortality were analyzed using survival analyses. Stepwise Cox regression was conducted to analyze the independent risk factors of 6-year mortality. The relationships of HF status and surgery type with perioperative RASi, as well as PreRASi-PostRASi, were also evaluated by subgroup analyses.ResultsPreRASi was associated with lower incidences of 30-day mortality [ P < 0.0001, odds ratio (OR): 0.556, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.405-0.763], stroke ( P =0.035, OR: 0.585, 95% CI: 0.355-0.962), renal failure ( P =0.007, OR: 0.663, 95% CI: 0.493-0.894). Both PreRASi ( P =0.0137) and PostRASi ( P =0.007) reduced 6-year mortality compared with the No-RASi groups.ConclusionsPre- and postoperative use of RASi was associated with better outcomes for the patients who have HF and undergo CABG and/or valve surgeries. Preoperative continuation and postoperative restoration are warranted in these patients.

Abstract Background Peutz–Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the development of pigmented spots, gastrointestinal polyps and increased susceptibility to cancers. Currently, most studies have investigated intestinal microbiota through fecal microbiota, and there are few reports about mucosa-associated microbiota. It remains valuable to search for the key intestinal microbiota or abnormal metabolic pathways linked to PJS. Aim This study aimed to assess the structure and composition of mucosa-associated microbiota in patients with PJS and to explore the potential influence of intestinal microbiota disorders and metabolite changes on PJS. Methods The bacterial composition was analyzed in 13 PJS patients and 12 controls using 16S rRNA gene sequencing (Illumina MiSeq) for bacteria. Differential analyses of the intestinal microbiota were performed from the phylum to species level. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC‒MS) was used to detect the differentially abundant metabolites of PJS patients and controls to identify different metabolites and metabolic biomarkers of small intestinal mucosa samples. Results High-throughput sequencing confirmed the special characteristics and biodiversity of the mucosa microflora in patients with PJS. They had lower bacterial biodiversity than controls. The abundance of intestinal mucosal microflora was significantly lower than that of fecal microflora. In addition, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, nucleotide metabolism and other pathways were significantly different from those of controls, which were associated with the development of the enteric nervous system, intestinal inflammation and development of tumors. Conclusion This is the first report on the mucosa-associated microbiota and metabolite profile of subjects with PJS, which may be meaningful to provide a structural basis for further research on intestinal microecology in PJS.

Abstract Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), known for causing gastric inflammation, gastritis and gastric cancer, prompted our study to investigate the differential expression of cytokines in gastric tissues, which is crucial for understanding H. pylori infection and its potential progression to gastric cancer. Focusing on Il-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-18, and TNF-α, we analysed gene and protein levels to differentiate between H. pylori-infected and non-infected gastritis. We utilised real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for gene quantification, immunohistochemical staining, and ELISA for protein measurement. Gastric samples from patients with gastritis were divided into three groups: (1) non-gastritis (N-group) group, (2) gastritis without H. pylori infection (G-group), and (3) gastritis with H. pylori infection (GH-group), each consisting of 8 samples. Our findings revealed a statistically significant variation in cytokine expression. Generally, cytokine levels were higher in gastritis, but in H. pylori-infected gastritis, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 levels were lower compared to H. pylori-independent gastritis, while IL-12, IL-18, and TNF-α levels were higher. This distinct cytokine expression pattern in H. pylori-infected gastritis underscores a unique inflammatory response, providing deeper insights into its pathogenesis.

An electron vortex beam (EVB) carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) plays a key role in a series of fundamental scientific researches, such as chiral energy-loss spectroscopy and magnetic dichroism spectroscopy. So far, almost all the experimentally created EVBs manifest isotropic doughnut intensity patterns. Here, based on the correlation between local divergence angle of electron beam and phase gradient along azimuthal direction, we show that free electrons can be tailored to EVBs with customizable intensity patterns independent of the carried OAM. As proof-of-concept, by using computer generated hologram and designing phase masks to shape the incident free electrons in the transmission electron microscope, three structured EVBs carrying identical OAM are tailored to exhibit completely different intensity patterns. Furthermore, through the modal decomposition, we quantitatively investigate their OAM spectral distributions and reveal that structured EVBs present a superposition of a series of different eigenstates induced by the locally varied geometries. These results not only generalize the concept of EVB, but also demonstrate an extra highly controllable degree of freedom for electron beam manipulation in addition to OAM.

Abstract We perform a high-precision computation of the three-loop three-point form factor of the stress-tensor supermultiplet in N $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SYM. Both the leading-color and sub-leading-color form factors are expanded in terms of simple integrals. We compute the complete set of integrals at a special kinematic point with very high precision using AMFlow. The high-precision leading-color result enables us to obtain the analytic form of a numerical constant in the three-loop BDS ansatz, which is previously known only numerically. The high-precision values of the non-leading-color finite remainder as well as all integrals are also presented, which can be valuable for future use.

Abstract Background Computed tomography (CT) plays a great role in characterizing and quantifying changes in lung structure and function of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to explore the performance of CT-based whole lung radiomic in discriminating COPD patients and non-COPD patients. Methods This retrospective study was performed on 2785 patients who underwent pulmonary function examination in 5 hospitals and were divided into non-COPD group and COPD group. The radiomic features of the whole lung volume were extracted. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression was applied for feature selection and radiomic signature construction. A radiomic nomogram was established by combining the radiomic score and clinical factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the predictive performance of the radiomic nomogram in the training, internal validation, and independent external validation cohorts. Results Eighteen radiomic features were collected from the whole lung volume to construct a radiomic model. The area under the curve (AUC) of the radiomic model in the training, internal, and independent external validation cohorts were 0.888 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.869–0.906], 0.874 (95%CI 0.844–0.904) and 0.846 (95%CI 0.822–0.870), respectively. All were higher than the clinical model (AUC were 0.732, 0.714, and 0.777, respectively, P

Abstract The next generation of high-capacity, multi-task optical informatics requires sophisticated manipulation of multiple degrees of freedom (DoFs) of light, especially when they are coupled in a non-separable way. Vector beam, as a typical non-separable state between the spin and orbital angular momentum DoFs, mathematically akin to entangled qubits, has inspired multifarious theories and applications in both quantum and classical regimes. Although qubit rotation is a vital and ubiquitous operation in quantum informatics, its classical analogue is rarely studied. Here, we demonstrate the logical rotation of vectorial non-separable states via the uniform self-assembled chiral superstructures, with favorable controllability, high compactness and exemption from formidable alignment. Photonic band engineering of such 1D chiral photonic crystal renders the incident-angle-dependent evolution of the spatially-variant polarizations. The logical rotation angle of a non-separable state can be tuned in a wide range over 4π by this single homogeneous device, flexibly providing a set of distinguished logic gates. Potential applications, including angular motion tracking and proof-of-principle logic network, are demonstrated by specific configuration. This work brings important insight into soft matter photonics and present an elegant strategy to harness high-dimensional photonic states.

Abstract For classical waves, phase matching is vital for enabling efficient energy transfer in many scenarios, such as waveguide coupling and nonlinear optical frequency conversion. Here, we propose a temporal quasi-phase matching method and realize robust and complete acoustical energy transfer between arbitrarily detuned cavities. In a set of three cavities, A, B, and C, the time-varying coupling is established between adjacent elements. Analogy to the concept of stimulated Raman adiabatic passage, amplitudes of the two couplings are modulated as time-delayed Gaussian functions, and the couplings’ signs are periodically flipped to eliminate temporal phase mismatching. As a result, robust and complete acoustic energy transfer from A to C is achieved. The non-reciprocal frequency conversion properties of our design are demonstrated. Our research takes a pivotal step towards expanding wave steering through time-dependent modulations and is promising to extend the frequency conversion based on state evolution in various linear Hermitian systems to nonlinear and non-Hermitian regimes.

Abstract Endowing flexible and adaptable fiber devices with light-emitting capabilities has the potential to revolutionize the current design philosophy of intelligent, wearable interactive devices. However, significant challenges remain in developing fiber devices when it comes to achieving uniform and customizable light effects while utilizing lightweight hardware. Here, we introduce a mass-produced, wearable, and interactive photochromic fiber that provides uniform multicolored light control. We designed independent waveguides inside the fiber to maintain total internal reflection of light as it traverses the fiber. The impact of excessive light leakage on the overall illuminance can be reduced by utilizing the saturable absorption effect of fluorescent materials to ensure light emission uniformity along the transmission direction. In addition, we coupled various fluorescent composite materials inside the fiber to achieve artificially controllable spectral radiation of multiple color systems in a single fiber. We prepared fibers on mass-produced kilometer-long using the thermal drawing method. The fibers can be directly integrated into daily wearable devices or clothing in various patterns and combined with other signal input components to control and display patterns as needed. This work provides a new perspective and inspiration to the existing field of fiber display interaction, paving the way for future human–machine integration.

The traditional one-dimensional (1D) model often fails to accurately predict the dynamic pressure response of large offline air pockets during transients, due to a lack of comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of transient interaction with offline air pockets. This study investigated dynamic behavior and energy dissipation of offline air pockets through experiments and numerical models. Experimental pressure responses were predicted using a 1D-3D coupling model, which presented superior performance compared to traditional 1D model. The 1D-3D coupling model was further utilized to investigate the air-water interface, internal energy and turbulence distribution of offline air pockets. The results reveal that the stability of the air-water interface depends on the decelerating distance of the jet in offline tube, explaining the instability phenomenon with lower water levels observed in experimental snapshots. The internal energy pattern suggests different energy dissipation mechanisms compared to the inline air pockets. The distribution of turbulence intensity and effective thermal conductivity indicates significant additional energy dissipation at the inlet and outlet of offline neck. By incorporating a minor head loss term for offline neck into traditional 1D model, the pressure response aligns well with the results obtained from 1D-3D coupling model under different flow rates and air volumes.

Volatiles in the mantle are crucial for Earth’s geodynamic and geochemical evolution. Understanding the deep recycling of volatiles is key for grasping mantle chemical heterogeneity, plate tectonics, and long-term planetary evolution. While subduction transfers abundant volatile elements from the Earth’s surface into the mantle, the fate of hydrous portions within subducted slabs during intensive dehydration processes remains uncertain. Boron isotopes, only efficiently fractionating near the Earth’s surface, are valuable for tracing volatile recycling signals. In this study, we document a notably large variation in δ11B values (−14.3‰ to +8.2‰) in Cenozoic basalts from the South China Block. These basalts, associated with a high-velocity zone beneath East China, are suggested to originate from the mantle transition zone. While the majority exhibit δ11B values (−10‰ to −5‰) resembling the normal mantle, their enriched Sr-Nd-Pb isotope compositions and fluid-mobile elements imply hydrous components in their source, including altered oceanic crust and sediments. The normal δ11B values are attributed to the dehydration processes. Remarkably high δ11B values in the basalts indicate the presence of subducted serpentinites in their mantle source. A small subset of samples with low δ11B values and radiogenic isotope enrichments suggests a contribution from recycled detrital sediments, though retaining minimal volatile elements after extensive dehydration. These findings provide compelling evidence that serpentinites within subducted slabs predominantly maintain their hydrous nature during dehydration processes in subduction zones. They may transport a considerable amount of water into deep mantle reservoirs, such as the mantle transition zone.

BackgroundVasculogenic Mimicry (VM) can reduce the efficacy of anti-angiogenesis and promote distant metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our previous studies have found that Celastrus orbiculatus extract (COE) can inhibit the VM formation in HCC by reducing EphA2 expression. However the underlying mechanism related to EphA2 in VM formation is unclear.PurposeThis study aimed to confirm that EphA2 is one of the potential targets of COE, and to explore the effect of EphA2 in VM formation in hypoxia context in HCC.MethodsTCM Systems Pharmacology database and proteomics analysis were used to explore the key targets of COE in HCC treatment. CD31-PAS double staining and VE-CAD staining were used to indicate vasculogenic mimicry. The localization of EphA2 and VE-CAD was examined through fluorescent microscopy. CCK8 assay, cell invasion assay, and tube formation assay were used to indicate the formation of VM under hypoxic conditions. The regulatory relationship of EphA2 upstream and downstream molecules were evaluated through COIP and Western Blot. The nude mouse xenograft tumor models were used to observe the VM formation after knocking down or overexpressing EphA2.ResultsEphA2 is identified to the target of COE, and the driving gene of HCC. In HCC surgical specimens, EphA2 expression is closely associated with the VM formation of HCC. COE-regulated EphA2 is involved in hypoxia-induced VM formation in HCC cells in vitro. EphA2 is regulated by HIF directly or indirectly by C-MYC. Overexpression of EphA2 can promote the VM formation of HCC in nude mice, while knocking down EphA2 can inhibit the VM formation.ConclusionEphA2, as a target of COE, plays a crucial regulatory role in the formation of vasculogenic mimicry in HCC, involving upstream HIF/MYC transcriptional promotion and downstream PI3K/FAK/VE-CAD expression regulation.