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Abstract Inorganic plastic semiconductors play a crucial role in the realm of flexible electronics. In this study, we present a cost-effective plastic thermoelectric semimetal magnesium bismuthide (α-Mg3Bi2), exhibiting remarkable thermoelectric performance. Bulk single-crystalline α-Mg3Bi2 exhibits considerable plastic deformation at room temperature, allowing for the fabrication of intricate shapes such as the letters “SUSTECH” and a flexible chain. Transmission electron microscopy, time-of-flight neutron diffraction, and chemical bonding theoretic analyses elucidate that the plasticity of α-Mg3Bi2 stems from the helical dislocation-driven interlayer slip, small-sized Mg atoms induced weak interlayer Mg-Bi bonds, and low modulus of intralayer Mg2Bi2 2- networks. Moreover, we achieve a power factor value of up to 26.2 µW cm-1 K-2 along the c-axis at room temperature in an n-type α-Mg3Bi2 crystal. Our out-of-plane flexible thermoelectric generator exhibit a normalized power density of 8.1 μW cm-2 K-2 with a temperature difference of 7.3 K. This high-performance plastic thermoelectric semimetal promises to advance the field of flexible and deformable electronics.

Abstract Macrophages that acquire an immunosuppressive phenotype play a crucial role in establishing the pre-metastatic niche (PMN), which is essential for facilitating breast cancer metastasis to distant organs. Our study showed that increased activity of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in lung macrophages plays a crucial role in establishing the immunosuppressive PMN in breast cancer. Specifically, AHR activation led to high expression of PD-L1 on macrophages by directly binding to the promoter of Pdl1. This upregulation of PD-L1 promoted the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) within the PMN, further enhancing immunosuppressive conditions. Mice with Ahr conditional deletion in macrophages had reduced lung metastasis of breast cancer. The elevated AHR levels in PMN macrophages were induced by GM-CSF, which was secreted by breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, the activated STAT5 signaling pathway induced by GM-CSF prevented AHR from being ubiquitinated, thereby sustaining its activity in macrophages. In breast cancer patients, the expression of AHR and PD-L1 was correlated with increased Treg cell infiltration, and higher levels of AHR were associated with a poor prognosis. These findings reveal that the crosstalk of breast cancer cells, lung macrophages, and Treg cells via the GM-CSF-STAT5-AHR-PD-L1 cascade modulates the lung pre-metastatic niche during breast cancer progression.

InTe single crystals have demonstrated great promise in the field of thermoelectric materials, particularly when oriented along the [110] direction. This specific crystal orientation exhibits higher electronic conductivity and lower thermal conductivity compared to other orientations of InTe. Through first-principles calculations, we identified the anisotropic valence band and phonon dispersion as the underlying factors. Moreover, reducing the density of In+ vacancies in InTe was found to lower the band effective mass and modulate carrier scattering, enhancing the material quality factor (B). To explore these findings, we systematically grew InTe single crystals, achieving exceptional thermoelectric performance. A record-breaking power factor of 12.0 μW·cm−1·K−2 and a dimensionless figure of merit (zT) of 0.5 at room temperature were obtained. Notably, InTe crystals oriented along [110] with low In+ vacancy density exhibited the highest average zT of 0.63 among InTe-based thermoelectric materials within the 300–473 K temperature range. Furthermore, we introduced an effective method of reducing In+ vacancies through Indium vapor annealing, resulting in the highest reported carrier mobility of 182 cm2·V−1·s−1 for InTe. Our study highlights the potential for improving InTe's thermoelectric performance near room temperature through vacancy modulation and crystal orientation.

Abstract Background Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has been a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Early intervention can significantly improve prognosis. DNA methylation could occur in the early stage of tumor. Comprehensive understanding the epigenetic landscape of early-stage LUAD is crucial in understanding tumorigenesis. Methods Enzymatic methyl sequencing (EM-seq) was performed on 23 tumors and paired normal tissue to reveal distinct epigenetic landscape, for compared with The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) 450K methylation microarray data. Then, an integrative analysis was performed combined with TCGA LUAD RNA-seq data to identify significant differential methylated and expressed genes. Subsequently, the prognostic risk model was constructed and cellular composition was analyzed. Results Methylome analysis of EM-seq comparing tumor and normal tissues identified 25 million cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites and 30,187 differentially methylated regions (DMR) with a greater number of untraditional types. EM-seq identified a significantly higher number of CpG sites and DMRs compared to the 450K microarray. By integrating the differentially methylated genes (DMGs) with LUAD-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the TCGA database, we constructed prognostic model based on six differentially methylated-expressed genes (MEGs) and verified our prognostic model in GSE13213 and GSE42127 dataset. Finally, cell deconvolution based on the in-house EM-seq methylation profile was used to estimate cellular composition of early-stage LUAD. Conclusions This study firstly delves into novel pattern of epigenomic DNA methylation and provides a multidimensional analysis of the role of DNA methylation revealed by EM-seq in early-stage LUAD, providing distinctive insights into its potential epigenetic mechanisms.

To enhance the position and attitude-control of quadrotor for trajectory tracking, we propose a fast decay function utilizing exponential property to improve the performance of global sliding-mode control, allowing the initial value to quickly reach equilibrium. The main research is focused on deriving the finite settling time using the proposed decay function and presenting a detailed calculation process, instead of making a simple modification to a monotonic exponential-decay function. Moreover, we adopt an adaptive control law to ensure the robustness of the quadrotor, even without knowing the upper bound for disturbances. In addition, we perform time-varying mass simulations because the quadrotor’s load mass may change during maneuvering. Furthermore, using the Lyapunov function, the stability of the entire closed-loop system is ensured by the step-by-step stabilization of each subsystem. The simulation results show that the rapid global sliding-mode control (RGSMC) we designed is more effective than the conventional global sliding-mode control and adaptive sliding mode control with respect to stabilization and tracking against external disturbances. Hence, the fast decay property of the proposed global function is verified.

An improved non-singular fast terminal sliding mode control (INFTSMC) is proposed in this study, to improve the dynamic speed regulation and tracking accuracy of a surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (SPMSM) system. A sliding surface that completely removes singularities from the controller input is proposed. The key characteristics of the INFTSMC are fast convergence of errors, high tracking accuracy, and robustness against disturbances. The controller designed in this study is proven to be stable, with convergence in finite time and stability based on the Lyapunov theory. The proposed INFTSMC has a fast response and better performance than conventional sliding mode control and terminal sliding mode control, as demonstrated by simulation and hardware experiments in both virtual and real-time scenarios.

This study investigates the speed control of permanent magnet synchronous motors in the presence of external load disturbances via fast terminal sliding-mode control (FTSMC). First, to enhance the speed tracking performance, a logarithmic FTSMC method based on a novel sliding surface is proposed to improve the previously introduced FTSMC. Second, we have derived an enhanced settling time, demonstrating its superiority over that of recently introduced exponential FTSMC through the utilization of a logarithmic sliding surface. Third, the proposed logarithmic FTSMC and exponential FTSMC are compared to demonstrate that the convergence time of the logarithmic FTSMC is less than that of the exponential FTSMC. Forth, super-twisting reaching law is adopted in logarithmic FTSMC to counteract perturbations since it has an ability against various unknown disturbances, such as parameter mismatch, load torque variation, and friction force. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed strategy can effectively improve the dynamic performance and robustness of permanent magnet synchronous motor systems.

The permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) has been of interest to eco-friendly industries on account of its advantages such as high performance, efficiency, and precision control. However, perturbations due to PMSM parameter uncertainty, load torque, and external disturbance interfere with the construction of PMSM precision control systems. Therefore, a robust control system is needed to avoid unnecessary system movement caused by perturbations. In this paper, sliding mode control (SMC) is adopted to implement a robust control system for the PMSM. In order to reduce the reaching time from the initial system state to the sliding surface and the chattering phenomenon that can cause the system to malfunction, the adaptive quick sliding mode reaching law based on an exponential function and power equation is proposed. Although the SMC is robust to disturbance and parameter uncertainty, unexpected disturbances can destabilize the system. To estimate the unmatched disturbance in a short time, the second-order fast terminal sliding mode observer (SFTSMO) is proposed. The results show that the motor control system based on the proposed method has a fast convergence speed to an objective value, position tracking performance, and robustness.

As control algorithms evolve, their enhanced performance is often accompanied by increased complexity, reaching a point where practical experimentation becomes unfeasible. This situation has led to many theoretical studies relying solely on simulations without experimental verification. To address this gap, this study introduces a rapid experimentation protocol (REP) for applying field-oriented control (FOC) strategies to permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) based on model-based design (MBD) and automated code generation. REP is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward, offering a less complex and more accessible alternative to DSP toolboxes. Its excellent hardware compatibility is conducive to code porting and development. With this protocol, users can quickly conduct FOC strategy experiments with reduced dependency on the complex automated code generation tools often associated with toolboxes. Centered around the PMSM model, this method utilizes only the fundamental modules of MATLAB2023b/Simulink, greatly simplifying the user experience. To demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the protocol, models for both sensor-based and sensorless control are developed. The practicality of REP, including sensor-based and sensorless experiments, is successfully validated on an arm-cortex-M4-based GD32 microcontroller.

Abstract Background To evaluate the association and dose–response relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake and incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults. Methods PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for cohort studies that examined the association between PUFA and T2D incidence published up to September 6, 2021. Relative risk (RR) or hazard ratio (HR) was used as the effect indicator, each effect size was expressed by 95% confidence interval (CI). The presence of heterogeneity of effect size between studies was assessed by the Q-test and I2 statistics. If I2 ≥ 50%, the random-effects model was applied, otherwise the fixed effects model was used. Sensitivity analysis was performed for all models. Potential publication bias was assessed. We conducted linear and nonlinear dose–response meta-analyses, calculated summary relative risk (SRR). Results Twenty-five articles were selected including 54,000 patients in this study. Our estimates observed no linear associations between total PUFA and the incidence of T2D. However, the summary dose–response curve of T2D risk increased in a nonlinear pattern with the consumption of omega-3 PUFA (P nonlinearity

Abstract Niche for stem cells profoundly influences their maintenance and fate during tissue homeostasis and pathological disorders; however, the underlying mechanisms and tissue‐specific features remain poorly understood. Here, it is reported that fatty acid desaturation catabolized by stearoyl‐coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) regulates hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) and hair growth by maintaining the bulge, niche for HFSCs. Scd1 deletion in mice results in abnormal hair growth, an effect exerted directly on keratin K14+ keratinocytes rather than on HFSCs. Mechanistically, Scd1 deficiency impairs the level of integrin α6β4 complex and thus the assembly of hemidesmosomes (HDs). The disruption of HDs allows the aberrant activation of focal adhesion kinase and PI3K in K14+ keratinocytes and subsequently their differentiation and proliferation. The overgrowth of basal keratinocytes results in downward extension of the outer root sheath and interruption of bulge formation. Then, inhibition of PI3K signaling in Scd1−/− mice normalizes the bulge, HFSCs, and hair growth. Additionally, supplementation of oleic acid to Scd1−/− mice reestablishes HDs and the homeostasis of bulge niche, and restores hair growth. Thus, SCD1 is critical in regulating hair growth through stabilizing HDs in basal keratinocytes and thus sustaining bulge for HFSC residence and periodic activity.

Abstract In this paper, a local magnitude estimation model using ridge regression is proposed for the accurate determination of the local magnitude of earthquakes. To increase its accuracy, an estimation model was derived from the hypocentral distance correction term and peak amplitude using ridge regression. The improved performance of the proposed estimation model was evaluated via the mean squared error. It was compared with the least squares model to confirm its superiority in predicting the real magnitude.

Abstract Background The beneficial effects of ω−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) vary between different sources. However, there is a paucity of comparative studies regarding the effects and mechanisms of marine and plant ω−3 PUFA on obesity. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fish oil (FO) and perilla oil (PO) on glucolipid metabolism, inflammation, and adipokine in mice fed a high-fat (HF) diet in association with the contribution of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) pathway. Methods C57BL/6J mice and MyD88−/− mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal chow diet, HF diet, HF diet accompanied by daily gavage with either FO or PO. After 4 weeks, blood biochemistries, adipocyte histology, mRNA, and protein expression of MyD88-dependent and -independent pathways of TLR4 signaling in epididymal adipose tissue were measured. Results In C57BL/6J mice, there were no statistical differences between FO and PO in decreasing body weight, glucose, insulin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, interleukin-6, and increasing adipocyte counts. FO and PO decreased mRNA and protein expression of TLR4, MyD88, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6, inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B kinase beta and nuclear factor-kappa B p65. In MyD88−/− mice, the beneficial effects of FO and PO on HF diet-induced metabolism abnormalities and inflammation were abolished. FO and PO had no impacts on mRNA and protein expression of receptor-interacting protein-1, interferon regulate factor 3, and nuclear factor-kappa B p65. Conclusion FO and PO exhibit similar protective effects on metabolic disorders and inflammation through inhibiting TLR4 signaling in a manner dependent on MyD88. These findings highlight plant ω−3 PUFA as an attractive alternative source of marine ω−3 PUFA and reveal a mechanistic insight for preventive benefits of ω−3 PUFA in obesity and related metabolic diseases.

In this article, a novel strategy called enhanced super-twisting active disturbance rejection control (ESTADRC), as well as a nonlinear observer (NOB), is used to implement a speed control scheme for permanent-magnet synchronous motors with intricate internal dynamics, and it exhibits nonlinearity and variable parameters. A new reaching law is formulated within a super-twisting sliding mode control (STSMC) framework, and a comprehensive procedure for finite convergence time analysis is provided. The convergence region of the state variables of the system is obtained using a Lyapunov function. ESTADRC is developed by integrating STSMC and linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC), whereas the NOB is employed to estimate the motor’s position or angle value. Simulations demonstrated that the proposed approach is valid and effective compared with super-twisting active disturbance rejection control and LADRC.

In this study, a sliding-mode controller is designed using an adaptive reaching law with a super-twisting algorithm. A dynamic model of a drone is designed with a quadrotor that has four motors and considers disturbances and model uncertainties. Given that the drone operates as an under-actuated system, its flight stability and maneuverability are influenced by the discontinuous signal produced by the reaching law of the sliding-mode control. Therefore, this study aims to improve the sliding-mode control and stability of drone flight using the proposed adaptive law, which is based on exponential properties. The discontinuous signal of a conventional strategy is overcome using the super-twisting algorithm, and the drone rapidly reaches equilibrium using the proposed adaptive law that utilizes the sliding surface value. The proposed control strategy covers a higher dimension than the conventional sliding-mode control strategy; the system stability is proven using the strict Lyapunov function. The reaching time estimation results are introduced and used to compare the respective reaching times of the control strategies. To verify the superior performance of the proposed control method, multiple experiments are conducted under various situations and realizations. The simulation results prove that the proposed control method achieved a superior rapid response, stable maneuvering, and robustness with shorter reaching time.

Global change refers to changes in the relationship between humans and nature. It is desirable to actively integrate human social activities into the unified framework of global change so that their mutual relations and functional mechanisms can be understood. This complicated issue necessitates an appropriate method allowing domain experts to collaboratively contribute their knowledge to geoscientific research. Also, an efficient approach to optimize experimentation is of great importance. The reproducibility of research methods and results needs to be improved to boost the sharing of geographic knowledge and resources. This paper proposes a versioned geoscientific workflow and characterizes its full lifecycle using Virtual Geographic Environments, intending to facilitate and improve research related to the interactions between global change and human activities. The geoscientific workflow management is realized using the concept of version management, making geographic simulation methods and computational results easily reproducible and extendable. The sharing and reuse of geographic knowledge in various forms are archived through version management of geoscientific workflows. A versatile prototype system is implemented which enables the visual modeling of geoscientific workflows, the interactive optimization and collaborative evaluation of geoscientific workflows at runtime, the multi-dimensional dynamic visualization of geo-workflow outputs, and role-based access control for data security.

Airborne laser scanning (ALS) has recently been identified as a potential tool in topographic mapping for archaeological prospection. However, most existing applications in this field refers to manned ALS systems, for which the high operation and maintenance costs limits its application in small-scale archaeological investigation. In this paper, we conducted an exploratory study on the application of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) laser scanning (ULS) system in ancient micro-topography detection over wooded areas. Compared with manned ALS technology, we analyzed the advantages and potentials of ULS technology for archaeological applications. Then we outlined existing mainstream survey-grade UAV-based laser scanners, data processing and visualization approaches. Furthermore, we performed case studies in three cultural heritage sites in Zhejiang Province, China using two representative mainstream survey-grade ULS systems. Results were then verified by an in-site investigation. Finally, the correct selection of ULS devices, the planning of data acquisition missions and the use of appropriate data processing methods specifically for archaeological prospection were discussed. This paper provides a cost-effective and flexible solution for micro-topography detection in wooded areas. ULS technology, as demonstrated here, can be an important supplement to existing archaeological investigation methods, particularly for small-scale areas, and has promising prospects in archaeological applications.

This paper focuses on the speed regulation of a permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) with an uncertain extended load disturbance. A novel super-twisting sliding-mode control (NSTSMC) was proposed via a nonlinear integral sliding surface and a modified reaching law, effectively suppressing the chattering phenomenon. In addition, the NSTSMC can improve the convergence performance with a 0.04 s settling time, satisfying the super-twisting algorithm stability condition. For the novel integral sliding surface, the integral power term of the system state variables was incorporated into the conventional sliding surface to effectively improve the convergence rate and anti-disturbance ability. Moreover, an extended sliding-mode disturbance observer (ESO) was used to estimate the lumped extended disturbance and add the corresponding feedback compensation value from the sliding-mode disturbance observer to the output of the speed controller for the improved robustness of the system. The ESO-NSTSMC was developed to improve the performance of PMSM speed regulation by combining the advantages of the novel integral sliding surface, achieving a settling time of 0.01 s without overshoot. We confirm the performance of the proposed NSTSMC through a PMSM speed simulation and demonstrate that the controller can enhance the dynamic performance and robustness of the system.

Sliding mode control and disturbance compensation techniques are applied to a nonlinear speed control algorithm for a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). Optimizing the speed control performance of PMSM systems with various disturbances and uncertainties is challenging. To achieve a satisfactory performance, a sliding mode control method based on the super-twisting algorithm reaching law (STRL) is presented. STRL can adapt dynamically to the variations of a controlled system. The STRL maintains a high tracking performance of the controller and allows the control input to eliminate chattering. To estimate the uncertainties and compensate for disturbances, a support vector regression-disturbance observer (SVR-DOB) is presented. The estimated uncertainties were used to minimize modeling errors and improve the disturbance rejection. A controller using SVR-DOB achieves a high precision, and the simulation results demonstrated the validity of the proposed control approach.

A modified sigmoid sliding mode control (MS-SMC) approach is proposed for stabilizing and tracking a quadrotor system with a nonlinear sliding surface, where the dynamics model is underactuated, highly coupled, and nonlinear. The constructed nonlinear sliding surface is based on the traditional sliding mode surface with a modified sigmoid function, allowing the initial value to quickly reach equilibrium. A new type of nonlinear SMC is applied for performance improvement of the quadrotor using the proposed modified sigmoid sliding surface. To control the quadrotor effectively, a double-loop control method is used to design the control rate, in which the position subsystem is the outer loop, and the attitude subsystem is the inner loop.With the Lyapunov function, the stability of the overall closed-loop system is ensured by stabilizing each subsystem step by step. Moreover, from a practical point of view, the system performance under the model uncertainties and external disturbances are also considered. The simulation results show that the proposed MS-SMC performs better than the conventional sliding mode control (CSMC) and the back-stepping sliding mode control (BS-SMC) in terms of stabilization and tracking against external disturbances.

Most simulation-based noise maps are important for official noise assessment but lack local noise characteristics. The main reasons for this lack of information are that official noise simulations only provide information about expected noise levels, which is limited by the use of large-scale monitoring of noise sources, and are updated infrequently. With the emergence of smart cities and ubiquitous sensing, the possible improvements enabled by sensing technologies provide the possibility to resolve this problem. This study proposed an integrated methodology to propel participatory sensing from its current random and distributed sampling origins to professional noise simulation. The aims of this study were to effectively organize the participatory noise data, to dynamically refine the granularity of the noise features on road segments (e.g., different portions of a road segment), and then to provide a reasonable spatio-temporal data foundation to support noise simulations, which can be of help to researchers in understanding how participatory sensing can play a role in smart cities. This study first discusses the potential limitations of the current participatory sensing and simulation-based official noise maps. Next, we explain how participatory noise data can contribute to a simulation-based noise map by providing (1) spatial matching of the participatory noise data to the virtual partitions at a more microscopic level of road networks; (2) multi-temporal scale noise estimations at the spatial level of virtual partitions; and (3) dynamic aggregation of virtual partitions by comparing the noise values at the relevant temporal scale to form a dynamic segmentation of each road segment to support multiple spatio-temporal noise simulations. In this case study, we demonstrate how this method could play a significant role in a simulation-based noise map. Together, these results demonstrate the potential benefits of participatory noise data as dynamic input sources for noise simulations on multiple spatio-temporal scales.

Virtual Geographic Environment Cognition is the attempt to understand the human cognition of surface features, geographic processes, and human behaviour, as well as their relationships in the real world. From the perspective of human cognition behaviour analysis and simulation, previous work in Virtual Geographic Environments (VGEs) has focused mostly on representing and simulating the real world to create an ‘interpretive’ virtual world and improve an individual’s active cognition. In terms of reactive cognition, building a user ‘evaluative’ environment in a complex virtual experiment is a necessary yet challenging task. This paper discusses the outlook of VGEs and proposes a framework for virtual cognitive experiments. The framework not only employs immersive virtual environment technology to create a realistic virtual world but also involves a responsive mechanism to record the user’s cognitive activities during the experiment. Based on the framework, this paper presents two potential implementation methods: first, training a deep learning model with several hundred thousand street view images scored by online volunteers, with further analysis of which visual factors produce a sense of safety for the individual, and second, creating an immersive virtual environment and Electroencephalogram (EEG)-based experimental paradigm to both record and analyse the brain activity of a user and explore what type of virtual environment is more suitable and comfortable. Finally, we present some preliminary findings based on the first method.

With the two cores of database and model-base, Virtual Geographic Environment (VGE) breaks the limitations of the traditional Geographic Information System (GIS), which provides new support to the study and understanding of our world. [...]

Route planning is a key technology for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to fly reliably and safely in the presence of a threat environment. Existing route planning methods are mainly based on the simulation scene, whereas approaches based on the virtual globe platform have rarely been reported. In this paper, a new planning space for the virtual globe and the planner is proposed and a common threat model is constructed for threats including a no-fly zone, hazardous weather, radar coverage area, missile killing zone and dynamic threats. Additionally, an improved ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm is developed to enhance route planning efficiency and terrain masking ability. Our route planning methods are optimized on the virtual globe platform for practicability. A route planning system and six types of planners were developed and implemented on the virtual globe platform. Finally, our evaluation results demonstrate that our optimum planner has better performance in terms of fuel consumption, terrain masking, and risk avoidance. Experiments also demonstrate that the method and system described in this paper can be used to perform global route planning and mission operations.

Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for weaned piglets with underdeveloped immune systems. The study explores the impact of IPA supplementation on growth performance, oxidative stress, and inflammation response in weaned piglets. In Exp. 1, 90 weaned piglets were divided into six groups (5 replicates per group, 3 pigs per replicate), with each group receiving a basal diet with varying amounts of IPA (0, 50, 100, 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg) for 42 d. Piglets fed the diets with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of IPA exhibited reduced feed conversion ratios (F:G) compared to the control piglets (P = 0.035). Notably, 50 and 100 mg/kg IPA treatments significantly reduced diarrhea incidence and serum interleukin (IL)-6 content (P

The importance of classical CD8+ T cells in tumor eradication is well acknowledged. However, the anti-tumor activity of MHC (major histocompatibility complex) Ib-restricted CD8+ T (Ib-CD8+ T) cells remains obscure. Here, we show that CX3CR1-expressing Ib-CD8+ T cells (Ib-restricted CD8+ T cells) highly express cytotoxic factors, austerely resist exhaustion, and effectively eliminate various tumors. These Ib-CD8+ T cells can be primed by MHC Ia (MHC class Ia molecules) expressed on various cell types for optimal activation in a Tbet-dependent manner. Importantly, MHC Ia does not allogeneically activate Ib-CD8+ T cells, rather, sensitizes these cells for T cell receptor activation. Such effects were observed when MHC Ia+ cells were administered to tumor-bearing Kb−/−Db−/−mice. A similar population of tumoricidal CX3CR1+ CD8+ T cells was identified in wild-type mice and melanoma patients. Adoptive transfer of Ib-CD8+ T cells to wild-type mice inhibited tumor progression without damaging normal tissues. Taken together, we demonstrate that MHC class Ia can prime Ib-CD8+ T cells for robust tumoricidal activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid bacteria and coagulase-negative staphylococci play an important role in the production of fermented sausages, such as inhibiting the growth of undesirable bacteria and antioxidant. In this study, the effects of inoculation with different starter cultures (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HN108 and Staphylococcus simulans NJ209) on the free amino acids (FAAs), biogenic amines (BAs) and volatile compounds of fermented sausages were investigated using an amino acid analyzer, ultra performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry, respectively. The pH and carbonyl content of the inoculated group was significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). L. plantarum HN108 significantly reduced the content of FAAs and BAs in fermented sausage production (P < 0.05), while S. simulans NJ209 promoted the formation of FAAs (especially bitter amino acids) and exhibited slight BAs-reducing activity. In addition, L. plantarum HN108 promoted the formation of volatile compounds such as ketones, alcohols and alkenes in sausages. In conclusion, L. plantarum HN108 could contribute to reducing the content of putrescine and tyramine and forming the desirable flavor compounds in fermented sausages. Thus, L. plantarum HN108 is expected to be a starter culture that can improve the safety and flavor of fermented sausages.

Abstract Exchange bias (EB) in antiferromagnetic (AFM)/ferromagnetic heterostructures is crucial for the advancement of spintronic devices and has attracted significant attention. The common EB effect in van der Waals heterostructures features a low blocking temperature (Tb) and a single polarity. In this work, a significant EB effect with a Tb up to 150 K is observed in FePS3/Fe3GaTe2 heterostructures, and in particular, the EB exhibits an unusual temperature‐dependent polarity‐reversal behavior. Under a high positive field‐cooling condition (e.g., μ0H ≥ 0.5 T), a negative EB field (HEB) is observed at low temperatures, and with increasing temperature, the HEB crosses zero at ≈20 K, subsequently becomes positive and later approaches zero again at Tb. A model composed of a top FePS3/interfacial FePS3/Fe3GaTe2 sandwich structure is proposed. The charge transfer from Fe3GaTe2 to FePS3 at the interface induces net magnetic moments (∆M) in FePS3. The interface favors AFM coupling, and thus the reversal of ∆M of the interfacial FePS3 leads to the polarity‐reversal of EB. Moreover, the EB can be extended to the bare Fe3GaTe2 region of the Fe3GaTe2 flake partially covered by FePS3. This work provides opportunities for a deeper understanding of the EB effect and opens a new route toward constructing novel spintronic devices.