Search

This study reports on English-as-a-foreign-language teachers' beliefs about coursebooks and their adaptation profiles; it also unveils the demographic characteristics that differentiate the profiles. Responses from 3654 Chinese English-as-a-foreign-language teachers were analyzed using Latent Profile Analysis, descriptive statistics and Scheffé's method. Results indicate four distinct coursebook adaptation profiles: Highly Active, Moderately Active, Lowly Active and Adding-Deleting-Oriented. The four profiles differed significantly in the distribution of teachers by professional titles, administrative posts, types of students they teach, and participation in coursebook writing and coursebook use training. The teachers tended to regard coursebooks as resources rather than scripts.

The promotion of effective teacher professional development (ETPD) is a critical issue in the field of teacher education. The present study investigated how ETPD is affected simultaneously by teacher- and school-level factors across the United States, China, Finland, and Singapore. The data were drawn from the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS 2018) and analyzed using a hierarchical linear model. Findings showed that scores on social utility motivation to teach, self-efficacy in student engagement, and school participative climate were positively and significantly correlated with scores on ETPD across the four countries. It was concluded that gender, education background, teaching experience, personal utility motivation to teach, teacher self-efficacy in classroom management, and teacher-student relations made significant, yet inconsistent, differences in ETPD in the four countries. Motivating teachers to teach and creating a democratic, participatory, and caring school culture may be important measures to promote effective professional development of teachers globally.

Objectives: Previous studies have widely demonstrated that inhibition of return (IOR) with audiovisual targets decreases due to audiovisual integration (AVI). It is currently unclear, however, whether the impaired AVI in children with ADHD has effects on IOR. The present study used the cue-target paradigm to explore differences between the IOR of audiovisual targets and the IOR of visual targets in ADHD and typically developing (TD) children. Method: A total of 81 native Chinese speakers aged 6 to 13 years were recruited, including 38 children with ADHD and 43 age- and sex-matched TD children. Results: The results showed that there was a smaller magnitude of IOR with audiovisual targets as compared with visual targets in the two groups. Importantly, the reduction of IOR in audiovisual conditions was significantly smaller in children with ADHD than in children with TD. Race model analyses further confirmed that differences in IOR between ADHD and TD are due to deficits of audiovisual integration in ADHD. Conclusion: The results indicated that children with ADHD have impaired audiovisual integration, which has a minimal impact on IOR.

The teaching of critical thinking (CT) has become an important requirement in many English language classrooms at different educational levels, yet little is known about how teachers promote the learning of CT. This article reports on a qualitative study examining the ways in which two university English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers in China attempted to blend CT into their reading classrooms, and the factors that influenced their attempts at CT innovation. In-depth, semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, artefacts, and observation of eight joint discussion sessions between the two participants and the first author were analyzed to explain the participants' implementation of CT innovation in their intensive reading courses and the influential factors. The findings indicate that the teachers implemented CT innovation in reading instruction through the infusion approach, which means explicitly highlighting CT during the course orientation of their reading courses, while also improving the students' CT abilities and language competence through reflective and collaborative writing using reading journals. The study also revealed several factors that influenced their attempts at CT innovation. The study sheds light on how teachers can be supported to innovate conventional CT instruction in the reading classroom.

Abstract To determine the risk factors for poor prognosis of influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE), 56 eligible children with IAE who were treated in the pediatric intensive care unit of Wuhan Children’s Hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 were selected for retrospective analysis and grouped according to poor prognosis or not, and independent risk factors for poor prognosis were found by regression analysis. Results showed 26 children (26/30, 46.4%) had a poor prognosis. In the univariate analysis, the poor prognosis group compared with the clinically cured group showed a significant increase in the number of days of hospitalization (3.0 vs. 9.5 days, P

China is located in eastern Asia and has a large quantity and rich variety of bamboo resources. Bamboo resources also contain various fungal species such as Apiospora. The genus Apiospora is commonly used as plant pathogens, endophytes, and saprophytes, which are widely present in various host ranges around the world. The discovery of metabolites has been proven to play an important role in the pharmaceutical industry. Recently, 10 strains were isolated from bamboo in Guizhou Province, China, which were identified as five species of Apiospora based on multigene phylogenetic analysis of ITS, LSU, TEF1-α, and TUB2, and morphological observations, including two recognized species, Ap. arundinis and Ap. lophatheri, and three novel species, viz. Ap. bambusicaulis, Ap. bambusirimae, and Ap. bambusilentiginis. Illustrations and descriptions of these taxa are provided.

Abstract Interfacial trap-assisted nonradiative recombination hampers the development of metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, we report a rationally designed universal passivator to realize highly efficient and stable single junction and tandem PSCs. Multiple defects are simultaneously passivated by the synergistic effect of anion and cation. Moreover, the defect healing effect is precisely modulated by carefully controlling the number of hydrogen atoms on cations and steric hindrance. Due to minimized interfacial energy loss, L-valine benzyl ester p-toluenesulfonate (VBETS) modified inverted PSCs deliver a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.28% using vacuum flash processing technology. Moreover, by suppressing carrier recombination, the large-area modules with an aperture area of 32.144 cm2 and perovskite/Si tandem solar cells coupled with VBETS passivation deliver a PCE of 21.00% and 30.98%, respectively. This work highlights the critical role of the number of hydrogen atoms and steric hindrance in designing molecular modulators to advance the PCE and stability of PSCs.

Abstract Chemotherapeutic drugs often fail to provide long-term efficacy due to their lack of specificity and high toxicity. To enhance the biosafety and reduce the side effects of these drugs, various nanocarrier delivery systems have been developed. In this study, we loaded the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) and an MRI contrast agent into silica nanoparticles, coating them with pH-responsive and tumor cell-targeting polymers. These polymers enable the carrier to achieve targeted delivery and controlled drug release in acidic environments. This integrated diagnostic and therapeutic strategy successfully achieved both the diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer. Additionally, we demonstrated that the nanocarrier inhibits autophagic flux in liver cancer cells by targeting the autophagy-lysosome pathway and regulating the nuclear translocation of TFEB, thereby promoting tumor cell death. This novel diagnostic-integrated nanocarrier is expected to be a promising tool for targeted liver cancer treatment.

Abstract Background As the pet population grows, there is increasing attention on the health and well-being of companion animals. Weaning, a common challenge for young mammals, often leads to issues such as diarrhea, growth retardation, and in severe cases, even mortality. However, the specific changes in gut microbiota and metabolites in kittens following weaning remain unclear. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of the dynamic changes in the gut microbiota, serum metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and immune function of kittens at various time points: days 0, 4, and 30 post-weaning. Results Significant changes in the immune response and gut microbiota were observed in kittens following weaning. Specifically, IgM levels increased significantly (P

Abstract To develop an atrophic Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) animal model via liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, the eyelid edges of C57 mice exposure to liquid nitrogen for 30 s. Morphology of MG and ocular surface were assessed using stereomicroscopy and a slit lamp microscope at multiple time points post-injury. Acinar loss and atrophy were observed from day 7, with increased inflammation and apoptosis, and decreased proliferation in acinar cells. Corneal epithelial defects appeared after day 14. Liquid nitrogen induced selective damage to meibomian acinar cells, simulating MGD pathology effectively, with peak effects at day 21, providing a relevant model for atrophic MGD research.

Abstract Evidence suggest that dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs) might exert harmful effects on female reproductive function. However, population-based studies exploring the associations between dietary AGEs intake and female infertility remain lacking. This studyaimed to determine the relationship between dietary AGEs intake and female infertility based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A cross-sectional analysis of 2863 participants in the NHANES 2013–2018 were included. The dietary AGEs, i.e. Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine(CML), Nε-(1-carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL), and Nδ-(5-hydro-5-methyl-4-imidazolon-2-yl)-ornithine (MG-H1) were estimated using the combination of ultra-performance LC-tandem MS dietary AGEs database and two 24-h dietary recall interviews. Multivariate Logistic regression analyses were adopted to explore the relationships between dietary AGEs intake and self-reported infertility risk. Compared to the lowest tertile, total dietary AGEs (P-trend = 0.089) and CML (P-trend = 0.032) in the upper tertile were positively correlated with female infertility, and the corresponding odds radios (ORs) (95% confidence interval (CI)) were 1.44 (1.01, 2.06) and 1.64 (1.10, 2.45) respectively. Subgroups analysis found that in participants with overweight and obese, each 1-SD increment in dietary AGEs, CML and MG-H1 level was associated with 18% (95% CI: 1-38%), 21% (95% CI: 1-46%), and 16% (95% CI: 0-36%) elevated risk of infertility. Elevated dietary AGEs intake was associated with the higher risk of infertility for female subjects, this positive association was more pronounced in women with excess body weight.

Due to environmental benefits, green architecture has become increasingly popular, but many green building assessment systems predominantly evaluate design and construction rather than operational stage. This study seeks to identify the impediments to green building accreditation during the operational phases and investigate potential solutions to these issues. To reach this objective, the study compared international green building standards such as LEED, BREEAM, and Green Star with Chinese green building evaluation guidelines. The study also included functional case studies of certified buildings in order to investigate the obstacles encountered by green building initiatives in greater depth. According to the study, the greatest obstacles to green building accreditation during operating phases are inconsistencies in government regulations, market constraints that impede the developers’ interests, and difficulties in meeting technological criteria. These findings emphasize the imperative need for policymakers, market participants, and technology developers to collaborate and resolve the identified challenges in order to ensure the longevity of green buildings. Overall, this study contributes to the expanding corpus of knowledge on green building practices and offers stakeholders insights to facilitate the development of sustainable structures. By addressing the identified obstacles, the study can maximize the benefits of green buildings and promote eco-friendly building practices.

Abstract In preclinical studies, GST-HG141, a novel hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid assembly modulator displayed potent anti-HBV activity in vitro and strong efficacy in HBV animal models. A randomized, double-blind, ascending phase 1b trial assessed the pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of GST-HG141 in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) individuals. Thirty treatment-naïve CHB patients were enrolled in three cohorts (25, 50, and 100 mg twice orally after meals daily) over 28 days, with 10 subjects per cohort (8:2 ratio for GST-HG141 and placebo). Dose-related safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetic profiles, and drug responses were evaluated. GST-HG141 exhibited a generally favorable safety profile across all doses with predominantly mild adverse reactions, including three cases of grade 1 transaminase elevations. Significant reductions in HBV DNA and pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) levels were observed across all doses of (25, 50, and 100 mg of GST-HG141, twice-daily) after 28 days of treatment. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed a consistent linear trend in GST-HG141 concentrations, with mean trough concentrations ranging from 75 to 240 ng/mL. These concentrations adequately covered the protein binding-adjusted EC50 (16.89 ng/mL) by factors of 4.4, 11.1, and 14.6 for doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg, respectively. Our study demonstrated GST-HG141’s well-tolerated profile up to 100 mg over 4 weeks, alongside robust antiviral activity in CHB patients, supporting its progression into further clinical investigation for CHB management.

Abstract Background Radiotherapy (RT) is a primary clinical approach for cancer treatment, but its efficacy is often hindered by various challenges, especially radiation resistance, which greatly compromises the therapeutic effectiveness of RT. Mitochondria, central to cellular energy metabolism and regulation of cell death, play a critical role in mechanisms of radioresistance. In this context, cuproptosis, a novel copper-induced mitochondria-respiratory-dependent cell death pathway, offers a promising avenue for radiosensitization. Results In this study, an innovative theranostic nanoplatform was designed to induce cuproptosis in synergy with low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT, i.e., 0.5–2 Gy) for the treatment of in situ hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This approach aims to reverse the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, promoting a shift in cellular metabolism from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), thereby enhancing sensitivity to cuproptosis. Concurrently, the Fenton-like reaction ensures a sustained supply of copper and depletion of glutathione (GSH), inducing cuproptosis, disrupting mitochondrial function, and interrupting the energy supply. This strategy effectively overcomes radioresistance and enhances the therapeutic efficacy against tumors. Conclusions In conclusion, this study elucidates the intricate interactions among tumor hypoxia reversal, cuproptosis, metabolic reprogramming, and radiosensitization, particularly in the context of treating in situ hepatocellular carcinoma, thereby providing a novel paradigm for radiotherapy. Graphical abstract

Abstract High-throughput mesoscopic optical imaging technology has tremendously boosted the efficiency of procuring massive mesoscopic datasets from mouse brains. Constrained by the imaging field of view, the image strips obtained by such technologies typically require further processing, such as cross-sectional stitching, artifact removal, and signal area cropping, to meet the requirements of subsequent analyse. However, obtaining a batch of raw array mouse brain data at a resolution of $$0.65 \times 0.65 \times 3 \,\upmu \hbox {m}^{3}$$ 0.65 × 0.65 × 3 μ m 3 can reach 220TB, and the cropping of the outer contour areas in the disjointed processing still relies on manual visual observation, which consumes substantial computational resources and labor costs. In this paper, we design an efficient deep differential guided filtering module (DDGF) by fusing multi-scale iterative differential guided filtering with deep learning, which effectively refines image details while mitigating background noise. Subsequently, by amalgamating DDGF with deep learning network, we propose a lightweight deep differential guided filtering segmentation network (DDGF-SegNet), which demonstrates robust performance on our dataset, achieving Dice of 0.92, Precision of 0.98, Recall of 0.91, and Jaccard index of 0.86. Building on the segmentation, we utilize connectivity analysis for ascertaining three-dimensional spatial orientation of each brain within the array. Furthermore, we streamline the entire processing workflow by developing an automated pipeline optimized for cluster-based message passing interface(MPI) parallel computation, which reduces the processing time for a mouse brain dataset to a mere 1.1 h, enhancing manual efficiency by 25 times and overall data processing efficiency by 2.4 times, paving the way for enhancing the efficiency of big data processing and parsing for high-throughput mesoscopic optical imaging techniques.

Abstract Background Chronic inflammatory pain is a pervasive condition, and electroacupuncture (EA) is an effective treatment, but its mechanisms are not fully understood. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key energy sensor, is involved in pain relief and EA’s effects. EA may work by increasing endocannabinoids, upregulating CB2 receptors (CB2R), and stimulating β-endorphin (β-END). This study tests if EA activates AMPK via CB2R to modulate β-END and reduce pain. Methods The inflammatory pain model was established with Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA), and EA was administered daily for six consecutive days, targeting the acupoints “Zusanli” (ST36) and “Shangjuxu” (ST37). Pain sensitivity was evaluated using Von Frey filaments for mechanical thresholds and a hot plate for thermal thresholds. Ultra-high Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to quantitatively determine the levels of endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA). The expression levels of the CB2R and β-END were measured by Western blotting, along with the activation of AMPK. Immunofluorescence double-labeling was applied to visualize AMPK activation and β-END expression within CD68-positive macrophages. The study encompassed both wild-type and CB2R gene knockout mice, elucidating the role of CB2R in EA-induced AMPK activation. Results CFA-induced inflammatory pain model mice exhibited mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. EA activated AMPK in the inflamed skin tissue when it exerted analgesic effect on the inflammatory pain. Pre-administration of the AMPK inhibitor Compound C significantly inhibited the effect of EA on pain relief. EA elevated β-END expression in inflamed skin tissue, which was reversed by Compound C, indicating that AMPK has a regulatory role in EA inducing β-END expression. In addition, EA significantly upregulated the levels of 2-AG, AEA and the expression of CB2Rs in the inflamed skin tissue compared with the CFA group. In wild-type mice, EA activates AMPK in macrophages, while CB2 knockout reduced EA's ability to activate AMPK in these cells. Conclusion EA activates AMPK through CB2R, enhancing β-END expression in inflamed skin to alleviate inflammatory pain. This study reveals a new link between endocannabinoids, endorphins, and AMPK in analgesic effects of EA, highlighting the CB2R-AMPK-β-END pathway.

Accurate photovoltaic (PV) power forecasting ensures the stability and reliability of power systems. To address the complex characteristics of nonlinearity, volatility, and periodicity, a novel two-stage PV forecasting method based on an optimized transformer architecture is proposed. In the first stage, an inverted transformer backbone was utilized to consider the multivariate correlation of the PV power series and capture its non-linearity and volatility. ProbSparse attention was introduced to reduce high-memory occupation and solve computational overload issues. In the second stage, a weighted series decomposition module was proposed to extract the periodicity of the PV power series, and the final forecasting results were obtained through additive reconstruction. Experiments on two public datasets showed that the proposed forecasting method has high accuracy, robustness, and computational efficiency. Its RMSE improved by 31.23% compared with that of a traditional transformer, and its MSE improved by 12.57% compared with that of a baseline model.

In order to explore the influence of different polyphenols on the co-pigmentation effects of blueberry anthocyanins, this study analyzed the effects of different polyphenols on color, absorption peak and anthocyanin content of four blueberry anthocyanin solutions, and identified the suitable polyphenol copigment for four anthocyanin monomers. The results showed that chlorogenic acid and epicatechin significantly increased the absorption peaks of malvidin-3-O-galactoside (Mal-3-O-gal), malvidin-3-O-arabinoside (Mal-3-O-ara), delphinidin-3-O-galactoside (Del-3-O-gal) and delphinidin-3-O-arabinoside (Del-3-O-ara) by 21%~37% (P0.05), but they significantly increased the absorption peak of Del-3-O-ara by 23.33% (P

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health emergency, and SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia poses significant challenges to health systems worldwide. Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are a special group and are more vulnerable to viral pneumonia. However, few studies have elucidated the risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia in RTRs infected with COVID-19. This study aimed to build a risk prediction model for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia among RTRs based on demographic and clinical information. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study among 383 RTRs (age ≥ 18 years) diagnosed with COVID-19 from December 21, 2022, to March 26, 2023. Patients’ demographic and clinical information was collected through a questionnaire survey combined with electronic medical records. A stepwise logistic regression model was established to test the predictors of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. We assessed the diagnostic performance of the model by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration using the Hosmer–Lemeshow (HL) goodness-of-fit test. Results Our study showed that the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia among RTRs was 31.1%. Older age (OR = 2.08–3.37,95%CI:1.05–7.23), shorter post-transplantation duration (OR = 0.92,95% CI: 0.87,0.99), higher post-transplant Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (OR = 1.84, 95%CI: 1.14,2.98), pulmonary infection history (OR = 3.44, 95%CI: 1.459, 8.099, P = 0.005), fatigue (OR = 2.11, 95%CI: 1.14, 3.90), cough (OR = 2.03, 95%CI: 1.08, 3.81), and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at COVID-19 diagnosis (OR = 0.98, 95%CI:0.97,0.99) predicted a higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. The model showed good diagnostic performance with Chi-Square = 10.832 (P > 0.05) and AUC = 0.839 (P

Abstract Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a heterogeneous non-Hodgkin lymphoma originating in the skin and invading the systemic hematopoietic system. Current treatments, including chemotherapy and monoclonal antibodies yielded limited responses with high incidence of side effects, highlighting the need for targeted therapy. Screening with small inhibitors library, herein we identify cyclin dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) as a driver of CTCL growth. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis reveals a CDK9high malignant T cell cluster with a unique actively proliferating feature. Inhibition, depletion or proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC)-mediated degradation of CDK9 significantly reduces CTCL cell growth in vitro and in murine models. CDK9 also promotes degradation of retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) via recruiting the E3 ligase HUWE1. Co-administration of CDK9-PROTAC (GT-02897) with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) leads to synergistic attenuation of tumor growth in vitro and in xenograft models, providing a potential translational treatment for complete eradication of CTCL.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a multifocal disease characterized by genomic and phenotypic heterogeneity within a single gland. In this study, Visium spatial transcriptomics (ST) analysis was applied to PCa tissues with different histological structures to infer the molecular events involved in Gleason score (GS) progression. The spots in tissue sections were classified into various groups using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Louvain clustering analysis based on transcriptome data. Anotation of the spots according to GS revealed notable similarities between transcriptomic profiles and histologically identifiable structures. The accuracy of macroscopic GS determination was bioinformatically verified through malignancy-related feature analysis, specifically inferred copy number variation (inferCNV), as well as developmental trajectory analyses, such as diffusion pseudotime (DPT) and partition-based graph abstraction (PAGA). Genes related to GS progression were identified from the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through pairwise comparisons of groups along a GS gradient. The proteins encoded by the representative oncogenes UQCRB and LBH were found to be highly expressed in advanced-stage PCa tissues. Knockdown of their mRNAs significantly suppressed PCa cell proliferation and invasion. These findings were validated using The Cancer Genome Atlas Prostate Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-PRAD) dataset, as well as through histological and cytological experiments. The results presented here establish a foundation for ST-based evaluation of GS progression and provide valuable insights into the GS progression-related genes UQCRB and LBH.

Background With the continuous development of society and technological innovations, the average life expectancy of human beings has gradually increased, leading to the gradual increase in the number of perimenopausal women. This trend poses a serious challenge to the management of perimenopausal health in the community. Objective To understand the health characteristics and health needs of perimenopausal women in the community, explore the relationship between the two, and provide evidence to support the development and improvement of perimenopausal health management in community health service organisations. Methods Perimenopausal women (n=260) who attended or were accompanied to the Huamu Community Health Service Centre and its subordinate stations in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, from February to March 2023 were selected as study subjects. Questionnaires were used to collect information on the health characteristics of the study subjects (related to physiological stage, social characteristics, disease status, lifestyle, and quality of life), their knowledge of menopause and attitudes toward treatment, as well as their needs for knowledge related to menopause and preventive health care for menopausal diseases. Results Fifty percent (130/260) of perimenopausal women had a current history of chronic disease, 51.9% (135/260) of perimenopausal women had a past history of chronic disease, 73.8% (192/260) of perimenopausal women had fair/poor quality of sleep, 33.5% (87/260) of perimenopausal women did little exercise. 58.5% (152/260) of perimenopausal women were completely unaware or had only heard of menopause, 41.9% (109/260) of perimenopausal women had a negative attitude towards menopause treatment, 45.0% (117/126) of perimenopausal women needed menopause-related knowledge, and 66.6% (173/260) of perimenopausal women needed preventive health care for menopausal diseases. The results of ordered multicategorical Logistic regression analyses showed that literacy, the number of menopausal symptoms in the last 3 monthss, and attitudes toward menopause treatment were the factors influencing perimenopausal women's need for menopause-related knowledge (P

The influence of different heat treatment processes on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 18Ni300 stainless steel manufactured by selective laser melting has been investigated in the present study. The microstructures, nanoprecipitates, and mechanical properties of the differently heat-treated samples were analyzed using various precision instruments. Compared with a non-treated 18Ni300 stainless steel sample, the results showed that the microstructure was mainly composed of fine lath-like martensite, with a large number of nano-precipitates dispersed both within the martensite and in the boundaries. In addition, there was a preserved amount of austenite between the lath-like martensite and the spherical nanoprecipitate in the SAT sample. The interactions between the martensite matrix and the nanoprecipitates and dislocations were assumed to be the main reason for the high strength of 18Ni300 stainless steel. These precipitates included rod-shaped or needle-shaped, Ni3Ti, Ni3Mo, and Ni3(Ti, Mo) nano-precipitates, as well as spherical Ti–Al nano-oxidized precipitates and massive Ni-rich precipitates. The shear and by-pass mechanisms between the strengthened nano-precipitate and the dislocations were found to depend on the size of the nanoprecipitate. The influence of the nanoprecipitation on the indentation hardness became more evident after heat treatment, but the effect on the indentation modulus was not that obvious. The AT- and SAT-treatments significantly improve the strength, hardness, and modulus of samples but were found to reduce the toughness and plasticity. After the AT- and SAT-treatments, the protrusions became smaller, and the small isometric protrusion of a shear lip became significantly smaller than for the as-built material.

Abstract To address the challenges of large‐aperture sonar systems passive localisation, this paper proposes the application of sparse Bayesian learning (SBL) for passive target localisation in the wideband beam domain. The proposed algorithm aims to overcome the issues of massive computational requirements for two‐dimensional SBL scanning and increased localisation errors due to interference energy leakage. The wideband beam domain SBL focusing localisation algorithm is developed by constructing an azimuth‐range two‐dimensional transformation matrix to preprocess array data, which effectively reduces the computational load of SBL processing while suppressing strong interference energy leakage in passive sonar operating environments, thus improving the range resolution and parameter estimation accuracy of focusing localisation. Simulation and sea trial data analyses demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed algorithm, with results indicating its superior performance compared to existing algorithms.

Abstract Tumor energy metabolism plays a crucial role in the occurrence, progression, and drug resistance of tumors. The study of tumor energy metabolism has gradually become an emerging field of tumor treatment. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic regulation is closely linked to tumor energy metabolism, influencing the metabolic remodeling and biological traits of tumor cells. This review focuses on the primary pathways of tumor energy metabolism and explores therapeutic strategies to target these pathways. It covers key areas such as glycolysis, the Warburg effect, mitochondrial function, oxidative phosphorylation, and the metabolic adaptability of tumors. Additionally, this article examines the role of the epigenetic regulator SWI/SNF complex in tumor metabolism, specifically its interactions with glucose, lipids, and amino acids. Summarizing therapeutic strategies aimed at these metabolic pathways, including inhibitors of glycolysis, mitochondrial-targeted drugs, exploitation of metabolic vulnerabilities, and recent developments related to SWI/SNF complexes as potential targets. The clinical significance, challenges, and future directions of tumor metabolism research are discussed, including strategies to overcome drug resistance, the potential of combination therapy, and the application of new technologies.

Abstract Background Acute compartment syndrome is a rare but serious complication following gynecological surgery in the lithotomy position, potentially resulting in permanent neuromuscular dysfunction or limb loss, making early recognition and prompt management essential. Case presentation A 41-year-old woman underwent a laparoscopic myomectomy for uterine fibroids, during which she was positioned in the high lithotomy and head-down position for 118 min. Six hours post-surgery, she experienced spasmodic pain and swelling in both lower extremities. Thirteen hours after surgery, her symptoms worsened, leading to the diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome in both legs. An emergency bilateral fasciotomy was performed, and the patient fully recovered within two months without any neuromuscular dysfunction. Conclusions ACS should be an important differential diagnosis for lower extremity pain after gynecologic surgery, especially with prolonged lithotomy positioning. Gynecologists should be vigilant for ACS signs and symptoms to prevent delayed diagnosis.

Highlights Demonstrate that the key factor to determine the activity of reconstructed surfaces is the surface chemistry, instead of reconstruction degree using the popular perovskite LaNi1-xFexO3 oxides as model materials. Fe content can influence both the surface reconstruction degree, the activation degree, and the activity of reconstructed surfaces. The oxygen evolution reaction activity of reconstructed catalysts is primarily governed by the chemistry of the reconstructed surface species.

Abstract In the era of the global knowledge economy, the rapid advancement of new-generation information technologies has positioned digital industry at the forefront of socio-economic development. Digital industrial clusters, comprising key enterprises and related institutions, have emerged as global hubs for technological innovation, drawing recognition from governments and international organizations. However, China’s digital industry faces challenges characterized by being “large but not strong” and experiencing “industrial structure softening.” This paper explores the temporal evolution and spatial distribution of China’s digital industry, shedding light on its unique patterns. This study reveals that China’s digital industry has progressed through four distinct phases, evolving from manufacturing-oriented to service-oriented, and experiencing dynamic stability. In terms of spatial distribution, it exhibits a pattern known as the “One Core, Three Poles, and Multiple Strongholds,” with Beijing as the core and Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, among others, serving as growth poles. The study identifies factors influencing spatial distribution, including software development, patent authorizations, mobile phone penetration, industrial parks, digital finance, and foreign investment. Manufacturing-based digital industries prioritize innovation and IP protection, while service-based sectors rely on software development, innovation, and international collaboration. The GWR model demonstrates spatial variation, emphasizing the importance of tailored development strategies. This research contributes to understanding the dynamics of China’s digital industry and provides valuable insights for policymakers aiming to create an internationally competitive digital industry cluster.

Abstract In recent years, as river-borne sediment transport has decreased, land loss in estuarine areas has become increasingly severe. Particularly from 2009 to 2022, due to the reduced sediment load from the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, significant changes in the erosion-deposition conditions at the Yangtze River Estuary have become a critical concern. The suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in the estuary is closely linked to sediment content, and against this backdrop, this study aims to thoroughly explore the response mechanisms of the Yangtze River Estuary’s SSC to changes in erosion-deposition conditions, with the goal of providing scientific bases and strategic recommendations for erosion-deposition management. To this end, this research collected historical water depth data for the Yangtze River Estuary, measured vertical distribution of SSC in September 2022, surface suspended sediment concentration (SSSC) data from 2021 to 2023, and 25 factors influencing SSSC, to analyze in detail the changes in the erosion-deposition conditions at the Yangtze River Estuary and the response mechanisms of SSC to these changes. The analysis showed that between 2009 and 2022, the mouth bar area of the Yangtze River Estuary experienced net erosion for the first time since 1958, with an annual erosion rate reaching 63.2 × 10^6 m3/yr, and the highest erosion rate occurring in the North Passage area, reaching 83.3 mm/yr. This phenomenon is likely caused by human-induced changes in underwater topography, with the Yangtze River Estuary shifting from deposition to erosion. Between 2021 and 2023, the turbidity maximum zone (TMZ) of the Yangtze River Estuary did not show regular changes in SSSC, which may be related to the frequent occurrence of typhoons and changes in sediment supply in the submerged delta of the Yangtze River Estuary.

Abstract Glycolysis-derived lactate was identified as substrate for histone lactylation, which has been regarded as a significant role in transcriptional regulation in many tissues. However, the role of histone lactylation in the metabolic center, the hypothalamus, is still unknown. Here, we show that hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neuron-specific deletion of family with sequence similarity 172, member A (Fam172a) can increase histone lactylation and protect mice against diet-induced obesity (DIO) and related metabolic disorders. Conversely, overexpression of Fam172a in POMC neurons led to an obesity-like phenotype. Using RNA-seq and CUT&Tag chromatin profiling analyzes, we find that knockdown of Fam172a activates the glycolytic process and increases peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM), which affects the synthesis of α-MSH, via H4K12la (histone lactylation). In addition, pharmacological inhibition of lactate production clearly abrogates the anti-obesity effect of PFKO (POMC-Cre, Fam172a loxP/loxP , POMC neurons Fam172a knockout). These findings highlight the importance of Fam172a and lactate in the development of obesity and our results mainly concern male mice.

Abstract Objective This study aims to assess the significance of monitoring temperature change trends at various wound sites in the healing process of diabetic foot ulcers after microcirculation reconstruction surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on individuals with diabetic foot ulcers who had been admitted to the Department of Orthopedics at the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University between July 2020 and February 2022. Temperature changes were regularly monitored at the center of the wound and the distal tibia of the ipsilateral lower leg to assess microcirculatory blood perfusion. Wound, ischemia, and foot infection (WIFi) grading was performed at admission and the final follow-up was to determine the value of temperature monitoring at various sites. Additionally, the formation of collateral microarterial vessels was monitored to determine their consistency with the observed trends in temperature differences. Follow-up assessments included the recurrence of ulcers, development of ulcers at different locations, re-amputation of the toe or limb, and diabetes-related mortality. Results A total of 29 patients were included in the follow-up, with an average age of 57.14 ± 14.75 years and a follow-up period of 9.79 ± 4.13 months. Following microcirculation reconstruction surgery, as the microvascular network formed, the temperature difference between the center of the wound and the distal tibia on the same side gradually decreased, with no statistical difference observed at 4 weeks postoperatively. At both admission and the final follow-up, there was a significant reduction in the wound (W) and ischemia (I) grades within the WIFi classification. The temperature at the wound center showed progressive improvement as collateral microarterial vessels developed. During the follow-up period, there were 2 cases of ulcer recurrence, 1 case of an ulcer appearing at a different location, no cases of re-amputation of the toe or limb, and 2 diabetes-related fatalities. Conclusion Skin temperature monitoring offers a direct and reliable indication of microcirculatory blood perfusion. Its simplicity and cost-effectiveness make it a valuable tool for widespread use in evaluating wound healing following microcirculation reconstruction surgery.

In present study, the mitogenome of Rosa laevigata was assembled and characterized, with a total length of 281,693 bp and a GC content of 45.4%. The genome encompasses 53 genes, including 32 protein-coding genes, 3 rRNA genes and 18 tRNA genes. Furthermore, 19 MTPTs were identified, ranging from 48 to 1585 bp, covering 3.1% (8764 bp) of the mitogenome. Phylogenetic analysis of 34 Rosaceae species based on 21 common conserved protein-coding genes detected the monophyly of Rosa, with R. laevigata and R. chinensis forming a sister clade to R. rugosa. The mitogenome provides valuable genetic resources for R. laevigata utilization and for further phylogeny reconstruction of Rosa and Rosaceae.

The use of nanocarbon materials to enhance the toughness of fragile cementitious materials has attracted increasing attention for investigation. This study examines the effects of incorporating graphene oxide (GO) into NaOH-activated slag (AAS) pastes and mortars, focusing on workability, phase composition, mechanical properties, and the local mechanical properties of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between sand and paste. The experimental results indicate that the addition of GO decreases the flowability of NaOH-AAS pastes, with noticeable aggregation at concentrations above 0.03 wt%. Furthermore, GO enhances the hydration degree of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), leading to an increased amount of C-A-S-H gel without introducing new phases. In terms of macro performance, incorporating 0.03 wt% GO significantly improves the compressive and flexural strengths of NaOH-AAS mortars by 10.6 % and 17.9 %, respectively. Additionally, the presence of GO reduces the ITZ thickness from 30 to 15 micrometres in NaOH-AAS mortars, which likely contributes to the enhanced mechanical performance.

Abstract Machinery operation is a major source of carbon emissions in building deconstruction. Early intervention through Design for Deconstruction (DfD) is crucial for emission reduction, yet the factors influencing these emissions are underexplored. This study integrates parametric BIM with multi-objective optimization (MOO) to assess mechanical carbon emissions in deconstruction. Using the Octopus solver in Grasshopper for Rhino, the study analyzes independent variables—possible working hours (PWH), vertical speed (VS), and horizontal speed (HS)—and dependent variables—minimum mechanical carbon emissions (MCE (min)), minimum deconstruction period (DP (min)), and maximum working efficiency (WE (max)). A lightweight steel roof truss structure is analyzed, comparing real-world deconstruction with optimized DfD schemes. Sensitivity analysis for BIM-MOO optimized results reveal that: (1) Adjusting PWH, VS, and HS significantly affects WE and DP, though with limited impact on carbon emissions; (2) VS influences WE and DP more than HS; (3) Limiting DP is essential for balancing WE, DP, and MCE, with WE adjusted to 20–60% and modifications to PWH and VS achieving balanced management. This study underscores the importance of early design and real-time adjustments for efficient, low-emission deconstruction, supporting the advancement of green building practices.