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Abstract Background The DoG (Delay of Germination1) family plays a key regulatory role in seed dormancy and germination. However, to date, there is no complete genomic overview of the DoG gene family of any economically valuable crop, including moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), and no studies have been conducted to characterize its expression profile. To identify the DoG gene members of moso bamboo (PeDoG) and to investigate their family structural features and tissue expression profile characteristics, a study was conducted. Based on the whole genome and differential transcriptome data, in this investigation, we have scrutinized the physicochemical properties, gene structure, cis-acting elements, phylogenetic relationships, conserved structural (CS) domains, CS motifs and expression patterns of the PeDoG1 family of moso bamboo. Results The DoG family genes of moso bamboo were found distributed across 16 chromosomal scaffolds with 24 members. All members were found to carry DoG1 structural domains, while 23 members additionally possessed basic leucine zipper (bZIP) structural domains. We could divide the PeDoG genes into three subfamilies based on phylogenetic relationships. Covariance analysis revealed that tandem duplication was the main driver of amplification of the PeDoG genes. The upstream promoter of these genes containing several cis-acting elements indicates a plausible role in abiotic stress and hormone induction. Gene expression pattern according to transcriptome data revealed participation of the PeDoG genes in tissue and organ development. Analysis using Short Time-series Expression Miner (STEM) tool revealed that the PeDoG gene family is also associated with rapid early shoot growth. Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG analyses showed a dual role of the PeDoG genes. We found that PeDoGs has a possible role as bZIP transcription factors by regulating Polar like1 (PL1) gene expression, and thereby playing a disease response role in moso bamboo. Quantitative gene expression of the PeDoG genes revealed that they were abundantly expressed in roots and leaves, and could be induced in response to gibberellin (GA). Conclusion In this study, we found that the PeDoG genes are involved in a wide range of activities such as growth and development, stress response and transcription. This forms the first report of PeDoG genes and their potential roles in moso bamboo.

【Background and objective】 Hainan province is a pepper base in China and its traditional production uses furrow fertigation, resulting in not only water and fertilizer waste but also nutrient leaching and contaminating the environment. The purpose of this paper is to explore suitable irrigation and fertilization methods to improve water and fertilizer use efficiency without compromising pepper yield. 【Method】 The experiment was conducted in field plots with four different irrigation - fertilization combinations: furrow irrigation without fertilization (CK), furrow irrigation with fertilization of 470.70 kg/hm2 of N + 511.22 kg/hm2 of P2O5 + 526.39 kg/hm2 of K2O (F1), furrow irrigation with fertilization of 376.55 kg/hm2 of N + 314.83 kg/hm2 of P2O5 + 526.39 kg/hm2 of K2O (F2), mulched micro-spray with fertilization of 376.55 kg/hm2 of N + 314.83 kg/hm2 of P2O5 + 526.39 kg/hm2 of K2O. In each treatment, we measured yield and fruit quality, photosynthesis, root growth, nutrient accumulation and nutrient distribution in soil, as well as water and fertilizer use efficiency. 【Result】 When N and P were initially high in the soil, F1 and F2 did not show significant difference in their yield, fruit quality, root growth, photosynthesis and accumulation of N, P and K in the plant. In contrast, F3 increased the yield, transpiration, root length, root surface area, root volume, accumulation of N, P and K by 8.03%, 16.91%, 60.69%, 43.00%, 40.37%, 19.30%, 14.19% and 14.61%, respectively, compared to F2; it also showed significant differences in fruit quality, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and intercellular CO2 concentration from F2. Compared with F1, F2 reduced the contents of total N, ammonium N, total P and available P in the 0~20 cm and 20~40 cm of soil after the harvest, reduced the apparent surplus N and P, and improved the partial productivity of N and P fertilizers. Compared with F2, F3 increased the contents of total N, nitrate N, ammonium N, total P and available P in the 0~20 cm of soil, reduced the apparent surplus N and P, and improved the production rate of the irrigation water. 【Conclusion】 For all treatments we compared, mulched micro-spray irrigation with reduced fertilization (F3) improved yield, water and fertilizer use efficiency of the pepper.

Organic flame retardant 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) was used to decorate the pores of mesoporous silica (m‐SiO2) nanospheres to prepare a new composite flame retardant (DK‐SiO2). The content of DOPO in DK‐SiO2 is about 17 wt%. Due to the chemical bonding, DK‐SiO2 not only enhances the flame retardant performance, but also effectively avoids adverse effects of DOPO on the glass transition temperature and mechanical properties of epoxy resin (EP). At 9 wt% loading, the limiting oxygen index of the EP increased from 25.7 to 31.2, and successfully passed the UL‐94 V‐0 rating. Besides, DK‐SiO2 can significantly reduce the peak heat release rate, total heat release, and total smoke production of EP, with reductions of 26%, 32%, and 20.8%, respectively. Compared with the simple blended sample, DK‐SiO2 not only has better flame retardant performance but also shows significant advantages in thermodynamic properties. The glass transition temperature, impact, and tensile strength, as well as storage and flexural modulus have been improved. This excellent flame retardant performance is mainly attributed to the gas‐condensed synergistic flame retardant mechanism between DOPO and m‐SiO2. The good thermodynamic performance is due to the excellent dispersion of DK‐SiO2 nanospheres in the EP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, and timely diagnosis and intervention are crucial for cancer patients. Transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs) play a noncoding regulatory role in organisms. Serum EV(extracellular vesicles), as an integral mediator of intercellular transmission of genetic information vesicles in Transfer RNA-derived fragment (tRF RNA), are expected to be minimally invasive diagnostic and predictive biologic factors of CRC. Methods: Collect serum samples from 205 CRC patients, and then isolate extracellular vesicles from the serum. Captured the physical morphology of EV through transmission electron microscopy. The particle size was detected by particle size assay, and protein expression on the surface of EV was verified by Western blot. Gene microarrays were screened for differentially expressed tRF-RNA. TRF RNAs were verified by qPCR for differential expression in 205 CRC patients and 201 healthy donors, assessing the CRC diagnostic efficiency by area under the curve (AUC). Results: Compared with 201 healthy donors, CRC patients experienced significantly down-regulated serum EV 3'tRF-ThrCGT while significantly up-regulated 3'tRF-mtlleGAT. Serum EV 3'tRF-ThrCGT and 3'tRF-mtlleGAT predictive diagnostic efficiency: 0.669 and 0.656, and the combination of CEA and CA724 predictive diagnostic efficiency was 0.938. Conclusion: The study data showed that 3'tRF-ThrCGT and 3'tRF-mtlelGAT can be minimally invasive diagnostic CRC indicators. The combination of tumor markers CEA and CA724 has important diagnostic significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In cross‐sectional and retrospective research, parental binge eating is associated with their children's eating psychopathology. The current study extended the evidence by cross‐sectionally and longitudinally examining the relation between parental binge eating and binge eating and weight‐control behaviors in the next generation of their adolescent children and young adult children in a population‐based sample. Methods: Adolescents (Time 1: M = 14.5, SD = 2.0 years) (n = 2367), followed into adulthood (Time 2: M = 22.1, SD = 2.0 years), and their parents (n = 3664) were enrolled in EAT 2010–2018 and Project F‐EAT 2010. The current study examined parental binge eating, and child binge eating and weight‐control behaviors. Adjusted models covaried for child gender, age, and race/ethnicity. Results: Approximately 7% of adolescents at Time 1 had at least one parent who reported binge eating with no differences by child's age, gender, or race/ethnicity. Having at least one parent experiencing binge eating at Time 1 (vs. not) was associated cross‐sectionally with adolescent children's use of extreme weight‐control behaviors (9.6% vs. 4.8%; Risk Difference [RD] = 4.9%) and associated longitudinally with binge eating during young adulthood (21.1% vs. 11.6%; RD = 9.5%). Other associations did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Children of parents with binge eating appear to have elevated risk of extreme weight‐control behaviors during adolescence and binge eating in young adulthood. Clinicians should assess whether eating psychopathology extends to other family members, and offer additional support to parents with binge eating. Further research is needed to identify risk factors in the children of parents with binge eating and to assess strategies for prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grafting is important for increasing the resistance of grapevines to environmental stress, improving fruit quality, and shortening the reproductive period. In this study, 'Cabernet Sauvignon' (CS) grafted on the resistant rootstock 140R (CS/140R), self-grafted grapevines of the resistant rootstock 140R (140R/140R), and self-grafted grapevines of CS (CS/CS) were subjected to high-throughput sequencing; small RNA (sRNA) libraries were constructed, and miRNAs responsive to the grafting process were identified. A total of 177 known miRNAs and 267 novel miRNAs were identified. Many miRNAs responsive to the grafting process were significantly down-regulated in CS/140R leaves relative to CS/CS leaves, such as vvi-miR171c, vvi-miR171e, et al., suggesting that the expression of these miRNAs might be affected by grafting. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed that the differentially expressed miRNAs regulated the expression of genes in the phenylpropanoid synthesis pathway. Grapevine leaves transiently overexpressing vvi-miR171c were assayed, and the expression of the target gene, VvMYB154, and the resveratrol content were decreased, indicating that vvi-miR171c negatively regulates the expression of VvMYB154. In sum, 140R increased the resveratrol content of the scion by grafting, down-regulating the expression of vvi-miR171c. These results provide new information that will aid future analyses of the effects of grafting on the content of secondary metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: (−)-Epicatechin (EC) is an active ingredient of Fagopyrum dibtrys (D. Don) Hara and can regulate lung cancer progression. However, the specific regulatory mechanism is poorly understood. This study explored the specific mechanism of EC in the treatment of lung cancer. Methods: H460 cells were injected subcutaneously into the left dorsal sides of nude mice to establish an animal model of lung cancer. H460 and H1299 cells and nude mice were treated with different concentrations of EC. The expression levels of related proteins were detected by Western blotting. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were detected by CCK-8, colony formation, and Transwell assays. Flow cytometry was used to detect the Ca2+ level in lung cancer cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of Ki-67 in tumor tissues. Results: This study revealed that ferroptosis in lung cancer cells was inhibited during lung cancer development. EC treatment promotes ferroptosis, inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of lung cancer cells, and inhibits the formation of tumors in vivo. Ferroptosis inhibitors (Fer-1) weaken the effects of EC on lung cancer cells, whereas a ferroptosis inducer (erastin) further promotes the effects of EC. In addition, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is involved in the EC-induced ferroptosis of lung cancer cells, and treatment with GSK, an inhibitor of the ER stress protein PERK, can reverse the effect of EC. Conclusion: EC therapy activates the PERK–eIF2α–ATF4 signaling pathway to increase ER stress, thereby promoting ferroptosis in lung cancer cells and inhibiting the occurrence and development of lung cancer. Our research suggests that EC may become a drug candidate for treating lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a new avenue for cancer research, phototheranostics has shown inexhaustible and vigorous vitality as it permits real‐time diagnosis and concurrent in situ therapy upon non‐invasive light‐initiation. However, construction of an advanced material, allowing prominent phototheranostic outputs and synchronously surmounting the inherent deficiency of phototheranostics, would be an appealing yet significantly challenging task. Herein, an aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐active luminogen (namely DBD‐TM) featured by intensive electron donor‐acceptor strength and twisted architecture with finely modulated intramolecular motion, is tactfully designed and prepared. DBD‐TM simultaneously possessed fluorescence emission in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) region and high‐efficiency photothermal conversion. By integrating DBD‐TM with anti‐angiogenic agent sorafenib, a versatile nanomaterial is smoothly fabricated and utilized for trimodal imaging‐navigated synergistic therapy involving photothermal therapy and anti‐angiogenesis toward cancer. This advanced approach is capable of affording accurate tumor diagnosis, complete tumor elimination, and largely restrained tumor recurrence, evidently denoting a prominent theranostic formula beyond phototheranostics. This study will offer a blueprint for exploiting a new generation of cancer theranostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, materials exhibiting multimodal luminescence properties from deep red to near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths have been a focal point of research, particularly in the exploration of applications within the realms of stress sensing and dynamic signature anti-counterfeiting. A pyroxene-type layered crystal structure compound, CaMgGe2O6: Mn2+, has been reported as a mechanoluminescent (ML) material. Upon incorporation into the host, Mn2+ ions preferentially substitute for Mg2+ ions, emitting deep red to near-infrared light (600–800 nm) within this six-coordinated [MgO6] octahedral environment. The congruence of photoluminescence and ML spectra indicates that both types of luminescence originate from the same emissive center. The doping of Mn2+ ions introduces impurity band, effectively reducing the optical band gap, as evidenced by ultraviolet diffuse reflectance measurements. Thermoluminescence results reveal three defect centers within the phosphor, whose concentrations decrease with Mn2+ doping, correlating with a reduction in ML intensity. The ML mechanism of the phosphor is elucidated through the analysis of local piezoelectric properties within the crystal. Overall, this study may pave new pathways for the development of efficient near-infrared mechanoluminescent materials, showcasing potential applications within the biological domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for high-performance intrinsic quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) insulators is crucial for the development of topological electronics. Here, based on density–functional theory calculations, TaPdSTe and TaPdSeTe monolayers are demonstrated to be intrinsic QAH insulators with topological band gaps of 88 and 79 meV, respectively. Both TaPdSTe and TaPdSeTe monolayers show an out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy with the Curie temperatures of 260 and 262 K by Monte Carlo simulations, respectively. The calculated Chern number C for both materials is −1. The analysis of the electronic structures reveals that the ferromagnetic topological property is caused by the energy band inversions of dxz and dyz orbitals of Ta atoms. Additionally, the effects of biaxial strain on the magnetic and topological properties are discussed for the current TaPdSTe and TaPdSeTe monolayers. During −3 to 3% biaxial strains, TaPdSTe and TaPdSeTe monolayers maintain the QAH effect, but their topological band gaps increase gradually from compressive to tensile strains. This study presents two intrinsic topological insulators that can help develop low-power electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important member of innate immunity, macrophages show remarkable plasticity and heterogeneity, and play an important role in immune regulation, tissue development, homeostasis of the internal environment and injury repair. However, the excessive activation of macrophages is closely related to the occurrence and development of many diseases. The prenylated flavonoid structure is one of the characteristic structures isolated from Sophora flavescens, with anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-allergy and other effects. In this study, the effects of (2R)-3β,7,4′-trihydroxy-5-methoxy-8-prenylflavanone (TMP), a prenylated dihydroflavonol, on the polarization and phagocytosis of macrophages were systematically studied. In LPS-induced M1-type macrophages, TMP dose-dependently inhibited the expression of COX-2, iNOS and the secretion of NO, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-18, showing an inhibitory effect on M1 polarization. Further experiments revealed that it was related to the inhibition of TLR4-related AKT/mTOR, MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways; in IL-4-induced M2-type macrophages, TMP down-regulated the expression of M2-related Arg1, IL-10, TGF-β, CD206 and CD163, as well as the phosphorylation levels of AKT1 and STAT6. For macrophages in a physiological state, it was very important for cells to return from a stress state to a phenotypic stability in the M0 state. These results indicated that TMP negatively regulated the M1/M2 polarization of macrophages, and made them tend to M0 homeostasis, which might provide new theoretical and data support for explaining the anti-inflammatory immunoregulatory activity of Sophora flavescens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road damage detection (RDD) is critical to society's safety and the efficient allocation of resources. Most road damage detection methods which directly adopt various object detection models face some significant challenges due to the characteristics of the RDD task. First, the damaged objects in the road images are highly diverse in scales and difficult to differentiate, making it more challenging than other tasks. Second, existing methods neglect the relationship between the feature distribution and model structure, which makes it difficult for optimization. To address these challenges, this study proposes an efficient dense attention fusion network with channel correlation loss for road damage detection. First, the K‐Means++ algorithm is applied for data preprocessing to optimize the initial cluster centers and improve the model detection accuracy. Second, a dense attention fusion module is proposed to learn spatial‐spectral attention to enhance multi‐scale fusion features and improve the ability of the model to detect damage areas at different scales. Third, the channel correlation loss is adopted in the class prediction process to maintain the separability of intra and inter‐class. The experimental results on the collected RDDA dataset and RDD2022 dataset show that the proposed method achieves state‐of‐the‐art performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lonicerae japonicae flos (LJF) and Lonicerae flos (LF) are traditional Chinese herbs that are commonly used and widely known for their medicinal properties and edibility. Although they may have a similar appearance and vary slightly in chemical composition, their effectiveness as medicine and their use in clinical settings vary significantly, making them unsuitable for substitution. In this study, a novel 2 × 3 six-channel fluorescent sensor array is proposed that uses machine learning algorithms in combination with the indicator displacement assay (IDA) method to quickly identify LJF and LF. This array comprises two coumarin-based fluorescent indicators (ES and MS) and three diboronic acid-substituted 4,4′-bipyridinium cation quenchers (Q1–Q3), forming six dynamic complexes (C1–C6). When these complexes react with the ortho-dihydroxy groups of phenolic acid compounds in LJF and LF, they release different fluorescent indicators, which in turn causes distinct fluorescence recovery. By optimizing eight machine learning algorithms, the model achieved 100% and 98.21% accuracy rates in the testing set and the cross-validation predictions, respectively, in distinguishing between LJF and LF using Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). The integration of machine learning with this fluorescent sensor array shows great potential in analyzing and detecting foods and pharmaceuticals that contain polyphenols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent reports on sub‐terahertz (THz) generation from a laser‐irradiated wire might have evaded the most essential contents of the wire radiation dynamics. Here, the origin of terahertz generation from a metal wire is revisited and a comprehensive diagnosis of the terahertz radiation from a 100 µm‐diameter tungsten wire irradiated by an intense femtosecond laser is implemented. For the first time, the long‐neglected but more efficient high‐frequency terahertz radiation is experimentally observed of which the spectra, polarization, tunability, and wire‐length‐dependent intensification are investigated comprehensively. A new picture of the wire radiation dynamics is presented to reveal the origin of the extreme terahertz surface wave, its evolution, and radiation mechanism. This extremely intense and ultrashort half‐cycle surface wave is spontaneously induced by a laser‐driven transient charge‐separation field and evolves into a multi‐cycle surface wakefield structure as it propagates along the wire owing to the self‐interaction between the surface wave and its carrier, the surface current. By manipulating the coupling and transport dynamics of the surface wave on the wire, tunable and intensified THz radiation covering a wide range from 0.1 to 20 THz has been realized, paving the way for broad applications such as terahertz acceleration, bio‐medicine, nonlinear THz science and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether double‐level (femur + tibia) derotational osteotomy is superior to single‐level femoral derotational osteotomy for recurrent patellar dislocation with severe femoral and tibial rotational deformities (femoral anteversion >30° and external tibial torsion >30°). Methods: Between January 2015 and June 2020, a total of 115 knees with recurrent patellar dislocation treated with combined medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFL‐R) and derotational osteotomies were evaluated after a minimum follow‐up of 2 years. Among these cases, 15 knees that underwent double‐level derotational osteotomy were included in the double‐level group, which was propensity‐matched in a 1:2 ratio to a single‐level group of patients who underwent single‐level femoral derotational osteotomy (30 knees). The clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated and compared between the groups. Furthermore, the foot progression angle was measured preoperatively and 2 years after surgery. Results: The patient‐specific variables did not differ significantly between the double‐ and the single‐level groups after propensity score matching. The postoperative mean foot progression angle was significantly lower in the double‐level group than in the single‐level group (9° ± 8° vs. 15° ± 11°; p = 0.014); however, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of any other clinical and radiological assessments. Conclusion: For patients with severe femoral and tibial torsional deformities (femoral anteversion >30° and external tibial torsion >30°), the double‐level derotational osteotomy is superior to single‐level osteotomy in maintaining normal foot progression angle, but it does not show an advantage in terms of patient‐reported outcomes, radiological results and redislocation rate at minimum 2 years of follow‐up. Furthermore, concomitant excessive external tibial torsion (>30°) did not have an adverse effect on clinical outcomes in patients who underwent derotational distal femoral osteotomy with MPFL‐R due to excessive femoral anteversion. Level of Evidence: Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The study aims to examine the changing trajectory characteristics of dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) and its correlation with lipid metabolism‐related factors across the Alzheimer's disease (AD) spectrum populations. Methods: Data from 242 AD spectrum subjects, including biological, neuroimaging, and general cognition, were obtained from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative for this cross‐sectional study. The study utilized a sliding‐window approach to assess whole‐brain dFNC, investigating group differences and associations with biological and cognitive factors. Abnormal dFNC was used in the classification of AD spectrum populations by support vector machine. Mediation analysis was performed to explore the relationships between lipid‐related indicators, dFNC, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, and cognitive performance. Results: Significant group difference concerning were observed in relation to APOE‐ε4 status, CSF biomarkers, and cognitive scores. Two reoccurring connectivity states were identified: state‐1 characterized by frequent but weak connections, and state‐II characterized by less frequent but strong connections. Pre‐AD subjects exhibited a preference for spending more time in state‐I, whereas AD patients tended remain in state‐II for longer periods. Group difference in dFNC was primarily found between AD and non‐AD participants within each state. The dFNC of state‐I yielded strong power to distinguish AD from other groups compared with state‐II. APOE‐ε4+, high polygenic score, and high serum lipid group were strongly associated with network disruption between association cortex system and sensory cortex system that characterized elevation of cognitive function, which may suggest a compensatory mechanism of dFNC in state‐I, whereas differential connections of state‐II mediated the relationships between APOE‐ε4 genotype and CSF biomarkers, and cognitive indicators. Conclusion: The dysfunction of dFNC temporal–spatial patterns and increased cognition in individuals with APOE‐ε4, high polygenic score, and higher serum lipid levels shed light on the lipid‐related mechanisms of dynamic network reorganization in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf width is a key determinant of planting density and photosynthetic efficiency. In an effort to determine which genes regulate maize plant leaf width, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 1.49 × 106 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 80 sequenced backbone inbred maize lines in Jilin Province, China, based upon phenotypic leaf width data from two years. In total, 14 SNPs were identified as being significantly related to leaf width (p < 0.000001), with these SNPs being located on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. A total of five candidate genes were identified within a mean linkage disequilibrium (LD) distance of 9.7 kb, with a significant SNP being identified within the Zm00001d044327 candidate gene. RNA was then isolated from 12 different inbred maize lines from this GWAS study cohort and was used to conduct qPCR analyses which revealed significant differences in Zm00001d044327 expression among strains exhibiting significant differences in leaf width. Based on an assessment of EMS mutant lines harboring a conserved amino acid stop mutation and two non-synonymous mutations in Zm00001d044327 that exhibited a narrow leaf width, these data suggested that Zm00001d044327 is a key regulator of maize leaf width. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cycloidal propellers are special propellers that can obtain a wide range of thrust in any direction without changing the propeller rotation speed or requiring the assistance of a rudder. They are typically installed on ships with high-mobility requirements. The implementation of pure cycloidal blade pitch control is complex, and there are a few control mechanisms capable of realizing these blade pitch motions. In this paper, a multi-link mechanism is designed to control the movement of the blades, and the relationships between blade pitch angle, linkage lengths, and their adjustment angles are established. The linkage lengths and their adjustment angles are solved using a genetic algorithm. The blade pitch angle controlled by the multi-link mechanism matches well with the pure cycloidal pitch angle after adjusting the linkage lengths and adjustment angles. The layout of linkages for the six-blade cycloidal propeller is designed to ensure that there is no motion interference between the linkages and their supporting shafts during operation. The open water hydrodynamic performance of the cycloidal propeller controlled by the multi-link mechanism and pure cycloidal pitch motion is analyzed using computational fluid dynamics. The simulation results indicate that the cycloidal propeller can achieve similar performance with different control mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be a major global health concern, representing a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. This review provides a comprehensive examination of CVDs, encompassing their pathophysiology, diagnostic biomarkers, advanced imaging techniques, pharmacological treatments, surgical interventions, and the emerging role of herbal remedies. The review covers various cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cardiomyopathy, rheumatic heart disease, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, cerebrovascular diseases, and congenital heart defects. The review presents a wide range of cardiac biomarkers such as troponins, C-reactive protein, CKMB, BNP, NT-proBNP, galectin, adiponectin, IL-6, TNF-α, miRNAs, and oxylipins. Advanced molecular imaging techniques, including chest X-ray, ECG, ultrasound, CT, SPECT, PET, and MRI, have significantly enhanced our ability to visualize myocardial perfusion, plaque characterization, and cardiac function. Various synthetic drugs including statins, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, β-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antihypertensives, anticoagulants, and antiarrhythmics are fundamental in managing CVDs. Nonetheless, their side effects such as hepatic dysfunction, renal impairment, and bleeding risks necessitate careful monitoring and personalized treatment strategies. In addition to conventional therapies, herbal remedies have garnered attention for their potential cardiovascular benefits. Plant extracts and their bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, saponins, and alkaloids, offer promising cardioprotective effects and enhanced cardiovascular health. This review underscores the value of combining traditional and modern therapeutic approaches to improve cardiovascular outcomes. This review serves as a vital resource for researchers by integrating a broad spectrum of information on CVDs, diagnostic tools, imaging techniques, pharmacological treatments and their side effects, and the potential of herbal remedies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]