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3D printing was widely used for the modification of bioceramic structures. Here, Bioactive titanium dioxide (TiO 2) ceramics with macropore structures were prepared by controlling the pore size through 3D printing, and further obtained secondary micropores by altering the sintering temperature. The structures and in vitro bioactivity of materials were characterized, and the properties of the ceramics for osteogenic differentiation of rabbits bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) were investigated. The results showed that titanium dioxide ceramics could induce apatite formation in SBF, which indicated it is bioactive. All materials exhibited porous structures, which could promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs. Importantly, the structure with 200 μm pore size significantly promoted the proliferation and adhesion of cells. Furthermore, more secondary micropores formed on the surface of materials with the decreased sintering temperature, which promoted cell proliferation. The pore size of 400 μm significantly upregulated the expression of osteogenesis-related genes, including Col I, ALP, Runx2, and OPN. It had the strongest osteogenic ability when sintered at 1100 °C compared to other groups. This implies that the 3D-printed TiO 2 ceramics have good osteogenic properties, and the hierarchical structure consisting of macroscopic pores and secondary micropores can control it well. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An innovative two-branch-two-step deep learning model was proposed for the retrieval of POC and PIC from spaceborne lidar, which incorporates physical parameters and measured waveform information, climatologies and anomalies information as input layer in a more seamless and effective manner. • The inclusion of physical parameters significantly enhances both the model's generalizability and its interpretability. • The proposed model demonstrates a commendable performance when benchmarked against in-situ data as well as other machine learning-based models. • The first interannually resolved PIC and POC standing stock estimation by lidar in polar regions are presented. • The implementation of CALIOP in polar regions is crucial in addressing the shortfall inherent in passive measurements. The lidar data estimates the total global PIC standing stock to be 8% higher than MODIS, while the POC standing stock is 17.2% higher, accounting for the conditions during polar winter. POC and PIC are indispensable components in the global ocean carbon cycle, their transport and space distribution being driven by the biological carbon pump and the carbonate pump. However, passive ocean color remote sensing, usually employed for POC and PIC research, experiences serious shortcomings in polar winter conditions due to its reliance on sunlight, leading to scarce data coverage in the polar regions. In contrast, CALIOP has shown considerable promise in high-latitude ocean observing. Past approaches to estimate POC from CALIOP data relied on b bp measurements obtained through the application of algorithms that presume an empirical linear correlation between b bp and the backscatter coefficient measured at 180°. This method does not account for any spatiotemporal variability in the conversion coefficient. Furthermore, the potential of CALIOP to provide estimates of PIC has not been explored yet. Here, we developed an innovative Two-Branch-Two-Step (TBTS) model to estimate POC and PIC from CALIOP data, which effectively expands the spatial coverage of the MODIS products. This method exploits the strength of deep learning while encapsulating the generalizability of physical parameters. This method consists of two branches: (1) a deep learning branch based on lidar attenuated backscatter waveform and (2) a branch focusing on physical parameters, including the total column-integrated depolarization ratio and the subsurface cross-polarized component of column-integrated backscatter. The model's generalizability and accuracy are confirmed through the evaluation of a test dataset and validation using in-situ measurements. Our model outperforms several other prevalent machine learning models. We also dissected the importance of different parts of the input data using SHAP tools, thereby providing insights into the black-box nature of deep learning models. Using CALIOP products, we put forth the inaugural estimation of interannually resolved PIC and POC standing stocks in polar regions. The implementation of CALIOP in polar regions bridges the gap inherent in passive ocean color measurements. Lidar-derived total global PIC standing stock is estimated to be 8% higher than that from MODIS, while the POC standing stock is boosted by 17.2%. The carbon standing stock in polar regions exhibits significant inter-annual variability and apparent seasonal periodicity. Hence, results from this research effort clearly reveal that the exploitation of the CALIOP-derived POC and PIC measurements, in combination with the application of new approaches and algorithms to future space lidar data, will undeniably enhance our comprehension of the polar ocean carbon cycle. However, it is important to acknowledge that the CALIOP products may inherit biases from the MODIS data used for training. Hence, where MODIS data is available, it's still the "better" product to use, but where there isn't MODIS data, the CALIOP product is extremely useful, especially in the polar regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although tetraploid wheat has rich genetic variability for cultivar improvement, its physiological mechanisms associated with photosynthetic productivity and resilience under nitrogen (N) deficit stress have not been investigated. In this study, we selected emmer wheat (Kronos, tetraploid), Yangmai 25 (YM25, hexaploid), and Chinese Spring (CS, hexaploid) as materials and investigated the differences in net photosynthetic rate (Pn), carboxylation capacity, electron transfer capacity, photosynthetic product output, and photosynthetic N allocation under normal N (CK) and low N (LN) through hydroponic experiments. Tetraploid emmer wheat (Kronos) had a stronger photosynthetic capacity than hexaploid wheat (YM25, CS) under low N stress, which mainly associated with the higher degree of PSII opening, electron transfer rate, Rubisco content and activity, ATP/ADP ratio, Rubisco activase (Rca) activity and Rubisco activation state, and more leaves N allocation to the photosynthetic apparatus, especially the proportion of N allocation to carboxylation under low N stress. Moreover, Kronos reduced the feedback inhibition of photosynthesis by sucrose accumulation through higher sucrose phosphate synthetase (SPS) activity and triose phosphate utilization rate (VTPU). Overall, Kronos could allocate more N to the photosynthetic components to improve Rubisco content and activity to maintain photosynthetic capacity under low N stress while enhancing triose phosphate output to reduce feedback inhibition of photosynthesis. This study reveals the physiological mechanisms of emmer wheat that maintain the photosynthetic capacity under low N stress, which will provide indispensable germplasm resources for elite low‐N‐tolerant wheat improvement and breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The remarkable advance in gene editing technology presents unparalleled opportunities for transforming medicine and finding cures for hereditary diseases. Human trials of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein-9 nuclease (Cas9)-based therapeutics have demonstrated promising results in disrupting or deleting target sequences to treat specific diseases. However, the potential of targeted gene insertion approaches, which offer distinct advantages over disruption/deletion methods, remains largely unexplored in human trials due to intricate technical obstacles and safety concerns. This paper reviews the recent advances in preclinical studies demonstrating in vivo targeted gene insertion for therapeutic benefits, targeting somatic solid tissues through systemic delivery. With a specific emphasis on hemophilia as a prominent disease model, we highlight advancements in insertion strategies, including considerations of DNA repair pathways, targeting site selection, and donor design. Furthermore, we discuss the complex challenges and recent breakthroughs that offer valuable insights for progressing towards clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research of biomedical data is crucial for disease diagnosis, health management, and medicine development. However, biomedical data are usually characterized by high dimensionality and class imbalance, which increase computational cost and affect the classification performance of minority class, making accurate classification difficult. In this paper, we propose a biomedical data classification method based on feature selection and data resampling. First, use the minimal-redundancy maximal-relevance (mRMR) method to select biomedical data features, reduce the feature dimension, reduce the computational cost, and improve the generalization ability; then, a new SMOTE oversampling method (Spectral-SMOTE) is proposed, which solves the noise sensitivity problem of SMOTE by an improved spectral clustering method; finally, the marine predators algorithm is improved using piecewise linear chaotic maps and random opposition-based learning strategy to improve the algorithm's optimization seeking ability and convergence speed, and the key parameters of the spectral-SMOTE are optimized using the improved marine predators algorithm, which effectively improves the performance of the over-sampling approach. In this paper, five real biomedical datasets are selected to test and evaluate the proposed method using four classifiers, and three evaluation metrics are used to compare with seven data resampling methods. The experimental results show that the method effectively improves the classification performance of biomedical data. Statistical test results also show that the proposed PRMPA-Spectral-SMOTE method outperforms other data resampling methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice eating and cooking quality (ECQ) is one of the most important qualities and it has attracted more and more interests of consumers and breeders. SSIIa and Wx are the major genes affecting rice ECQ, and several alleles of SSIIa and Wx have been identified. In this study, the effects of different allele combinations of SSIIa and Wx on rice ECQ were explored by analyzing amylose content (AC), gelatinization temperature (GT), and Rapid Viscosity Analyzer (RVA) profile properties of one natural population which is composed of 30 glutinous rice varieties and 342 non-glutinous varieties. Nine allele combinations of SSIIa and Wx were identified in all the non-glutinous varieties. The allele combination of SSIIac/Wxb harbored higher BDV, lower SBV, intermediate AC, and higher GT, which means better taste quality but more cooking time. For non-glutinous rice, stepwise regression analysis showed that RVA profile properties are mainly controlled by polymorphic loci of Wx-Int1(G/T) and Wx-EX10(C/T); AC, PV, BDV, and SBV are mainly controlled by Wx-Int1(G/T); HPV, CPV, and CSV are mainly controlled by Wx-EX10(C/T); GT is mainly controlled by SSIIa-EX8(GC/TT). Regression equation models also confirmed that SSIIac/Wxb had better ECQ compared to other allele combinations, indicating its potential to improve rice quality. Our results may provide useful clues for elite alleles of SSIIa and Wx for introgression to other rice varieties to improve rice ECQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) represents one of the most common causes of refractory epilepsy in children. Deep learning demonstrates great power in tissue discrimination by analyzing MRI data. A prediction model was built and verified using 3D full-resolution nnU-Net for automatic lesion detection and segmentation of children with FCD II. Methods: High-resolution brain MRI structure data from 65 patients, confirmed with FCD II by pathology, were retrospectively studied. Experienced neuroradiologists segmented and labeled the lesions as the ground truth. Also, we used 3D full-resolution nnU-Net to segment lesions automatically, generating detection maps. The algorithm was trained using fivefold cross-validation, with data partitioned into training (N = 200) and testing (N = 15). To evaluate performance, detection maps were compared to expert manual labels. The Dice-Sørensen coefficient (DSC) and sensitivity were used to assess the algorithm performance. Results: The 3D nnU-Net showed a good performance for FCD lesion detection at the voxel level, with a sensitivity of 0.73. The best segmentation model achieved a mean DSC score of 0.57 on the testing dataset. Conclusion: This pilot study confirmed that 3D full-resolution nnU-Net can automatically segment FCD lesions with reliable outcomes. This provides a novel approach to FCD lesion detection. Critical relevance statement: Our fully automatic models could process the 3D T1-MPRAGE data and segment FCD II lesions with reliable outcomes. Key points: • Simplified image processing promotes the DL model implemented in clinical practice. • The histopathological confirmed lesion masks enhance the clinical credibility of the AI model. • The voxel-level evaluation metrics benefit lesion detection and clinical decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large number of binary neutron star (BNS) mergers are expected to be detected by gravitational wave (GW) detectors and the electromagnetic (EM) counterparts (e.g. kilonovae) of a fraction of these mergers may be detected in multibands by large area survey telescopes. For a given number of BNS mergers detected by their GW signals, the expected numbers of their EM counterparts that can be detected by a survey with given selection criteria depend on the kilonova properties, including the anisotropy. In this paper, we investigate whether the anisotropy of kilonova radiation and the kilonova model can be constrained statistically by the counting method, i.e. using the numbers of BNS mergers detected via GW and multiband EM signals. Adopting simple models for the BNS mergers, afterglows, and a simple two (blue and red)-component model for kilonovae, we generate mock samples for GW detected BNS mergers, their associated kilonovae, and afterglows detected in multibands. By assuming some criteria for searching the EM counterparts, we simulate the observations of these EM counterparts and obtain the EM observed samples in different bands. With the numbers of BNS mergers detected by GW detectors and EM survey telescopes in different bands, we show that the anisotropy of kilonova radiation and the kilonova model can be well constrained by using the Bayesian analysis. Our results suggest that the anisotropy of kilonova radiation may be demographically and globally constrained by simply using the detection numbers of BNS mergers by GW detectors and EM survey telescopes in multibands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer survivors with ostomies face complex challenges. This study compared the Ostomy Self‐Management Telehealth program (OSMT) versus attention control usual care (UC). Methods: Three academic centers randomized participants. OSMT group sessions were led by ostomy nurses and peer ostomates (three for ostomates‐only, one for support persons, and one review session for both). Surveys at baseline, OSMT completion, and 6 months were primary outcome patient activation (PAM), self‐efficacy (SE), City of Hope quality of life‐Ostomy (COH‐O), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Surveys were scored per guidelines for those completing at least two surveys. Linear mixed effects models were used to select potential covariates for the final model and to test the impact of OSMT within each timeframe. Results: A total of 90 OSMT and 101 UC fulfilled analysis criteria. Arms were well‐matched but types of tumors were unevenly distributed (p =.023). The OSMT arm had a nonsignificant improvement in PAM (confidence interval [CI], –3.65 to 5.3]; 4.0 vs. 2.9) at 6 months. There were no significant differences in other surveys. There was a significant OSMT benefit for urinary tumors (four SE domains). Higher OSMT session attendance was associated with post‐session improvements in five SE domains (p <.05), two COH‐O domains (p <.05), and HADS anxiety (p =.01). At 6 months, there remained improvements in one SE domain (p <.05), one COH‐O domain (p <.05), and HADS anxiety (p <.01). Conclusions: No clear benefit was seen for the OSMT intervention, although there may be an advantage based on type of tumor. Benefit with greater session attendance was also encouraging. Plain Language Summary: Cancer patients with ostomies have many challenges.We tested a telehealth curriculum compared to usual care.There are indications of benefit for the program for those that attend more sessions and those with urostomies. The Ostomy Self‐Management Telehealth (OSMT) program was designed to help cancer survivors with this consequence of their care. No clear benefit of the OSMT could be shown versus usual care, although there are indications of value in the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(2S)-eriodictyol (ERD) is a flavonoid widely found in citrus fruits, vegetables, and important medicinal plants with neuroprotective, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity effects. However, the microbial synthesis of ERD is limited by complex metabolic pathways and often results in a low production performance. Here, we engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae by fine-tuning the metabolism of the ERD synthesis pathway. The results showed that the ERD titer was effectively increased, and the intermediate metabolites levels were reduced. First, we successfully reconstructed the de novo synthesis pathway of p-coumaric acid in S. cerevisiae and fine-tuned the metabolic pathway using promoter engineering and terminator engineering for the high-level production of (2S)-naringenin. Subsequently, the synthesis of ERD was achieved by introducing the ThF3′H gene from Tricyrtis hirta. Finally, by multiplying the copy number of the ThF3′H gene, the production of ERD was further increased, reaching 132.08 mg L−1. Our work emphasizes the importance of regulating the metabolic balance to produce natural products in microbial cell factories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-Hydroxy ketones are a class of vital organic skeletons that generally exist in a variety of natural products and high-value chemicals. However, the traditional synthetic route for their production involves toxic Hg salts and corrosive H2SO4 as catalysts, resulting in harsh conditions and the undesired side reaction of Meyer–Schuster rearrangement. In this study, CO2-promoted hydration of propargylic alcohols was achieved for the synthesis of various α-hydroxy ketones. Notably, this process was catalyzed using an environmentally friendly and cost-effective biomass-based ionic liquids/CuCl system, which effectively eliminated the side reaction. The ionic liquids utilized in this system are derived from natural biomass materials, which exhibited recyclability and catalytic activity under 1 bar of CO2 pressure without volatile organic solvents or additives. Evaluation of the green metrics revealed the superiority of this CuCl/ionic liquid system in terms of environmental sustainability. Further mechanistic investigation attributed the excellent performance to the ionic liquid component, which exhibited multifunctionality in activating substrates, CO2 and the Cu component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop a sensitive point-of-care testing (POCT) aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) detection system, and assess its role for predicting the response to anti-VEGF treatment in macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO-ME) patients. An automatic point-of-care aqueous humor Magnetic Particle Chemiluminescence Enzyme Immuno-Assay (MPCLEIA) VEGF detection system was developed. The predictive values of aqueous cytokine levels, in combination with imaging parameters, on anatomical treatment response (ATR, the relative central macular thickness change [ΔCMT/bl-CMT]) were analyzed. The automatic MPCLEIA system was able to provide results in 45 min with only 20 μL sample. Among the 57 eyes with available pre- and post-treatment evaluation, ATR significantly correlated with levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and VEGF measured by Luminex xMAP platform, and VEGF measured by MPCLEIA. Optimal cut-off values for these biomarkers were 13.26 ng/L, 23.57 ng/L, 1,110.12 ng/L, 105.52 ng/L, and 85.39 ng/L, respectively. Univariate analysis showed significant associations between ATR category (good response if ATR≤−25 % or poor response otherwise) and IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, VEGF-xMAP, and VEGF-MPCLEIA (p<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that ATR category was significantly associated with aqueous VEGF-MPCLEIA (p=0.006) and baseline(bl)-CMT (p=0.008). Receiver operating characteristics analysis yielded an AUC of 0.959 for the regression model combining VEGF-MPCLEIA and bl-CMT, for predicting ATR category. Our novel MPCLEIA-based automatic VEGF detection system enables accurate POCT of aqueous VEGF, which shows promise in predicting the treatment response of RVO-ME to anti-VEGF agents when combined with bl-CMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted significant attention due to their excellent photoelectric properties. However, several key performance parameters of these devices still fall short of their theoretical limits. Among these parameters, the regulation of open‐circuit voltage (VOC) has been a focal point of intensive research efforts, playing a pivotal role in advancing the efficiency of PSCs. This review first provides an overview of the generation and loss mechanism of VOC. It then discusses the significance of interface engineering in VOC regulation. Recent developments in high‐efficiency PSCs realized via interface engineering have been summarized and categorized into three key areas: surface modification, interface structure optimization, and surface dimensional engineering. Finally, a comprehensive summary of past research in this domain and offered insights into the future prospects of enhancing VOC in PSCs is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice grain size directly affects grain yield and is an important quantitative trait target. Many genes regulating grain size have been mapped and cloned in recent years. These genes not only play a single role on grain size regulation but have mutual interactive effect on grain size. Mining key allele combinations of grain-size regulating genes will favorite the pyramiding of favorable alleles in rice varieties with desired grain size and shape that meet people's preferences. Here, we studied the effect of seven major grain-size regulating genes (GS3, GS5, GW8/OsSPL16, BG2, GS6, GS2 and TGW3) and their allele combinations on grain size-related traits (grain length, grain width, grain length width ratio, thousand grain weight), and established multiple regression equations to predict rice grain size. We found that alleles of seven genes displayed significant differences in rice grain size. Among the seven genes, GS3 gene played the most important effect in regulating grain size, pyramiding GS3 alleles with other alleles such as GS6-II/III allele could significantly enhance grain size or grain weight. Specific allele combination of GS3-A, GS2-ZH11, GS5-Zhenshan97, GS6-II/III, BG2-9311 and GW8-HJX74 can produce rice varieties with slender grains; allele combination of GS3-A, GS6-I, BG2-Nipponbare and TGW3-CW23 produce grains with higher grain weight. The regression equation model developed in this study provided a useful tool to predict rice grain size. These results would help in breeding rice varieties with ideal traits and high yield by pyramiding favorable alleles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) seriously harms soybean quality and yield. In order to understand the effect of a heterogeneous light environment on the disease resistance of intercropped soybeans, we simulated three kinds of light environments to learn the effects of white light, blue light, and far-red light on the SMV resistance of soybeans. The results showed that compared with the control, SMV-infected soybeans showed dwarfing and enhanced defense. The symptoms of leaves under red and blue light were less severe than those under white light, the virus content of infected plants was about 90% lower than under white light, the activity of antioxidant enzymes increased, and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species decreased. The oxidation damage in SMV-infected soybeans was serious under far-red light. Transcriptome data showed that the biostimulatory response, plant–pathogen interaction, and plant hormone signaling pathway gene expression of SMV-infected soybeans were significantly up-regulated under red light compared with the control. Compared with the control, the genes in the biostimulatory response, calcium ion binding, carbohydrate-binding, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, and plant–pathogen interaction pathways, were significantly up-regulated in SMV-infected soybeans under blue light. In far-red light, only 39 genes were differentially expressed in SMV-infected soybeans compared with the control, and most of the genes were down-regulated. Compared with the control, the up-regulation of the salicylic acid (SA) pathway defense gene in SMV-infected soybeans under red light was higher than under other light treatments. Compared with the control, the up-regulation of the jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene (ET) pathway defense genes in SMV-infected soybeans under blue light was higher than under other light treatments. Compared with the control, most defense-related genes in the SA and JA pathways were inhibited in SMV-infected soybeans under far-red light, while genes in the ET pathway were significantly up-regulated. These results will advance our understanding of the disease resistance mechanism of intercropping soybeans in a heterogeneous light environment and provide new ideas for the prevention and control of viral diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many people with abdominal or pelvic cancers require an ostomy during surgical treatment, which can cause significant issues with physical and emotional intimacy in relationships. Aim: To evaluate the effect of a telehealth-based education program on intimacy over time for survivors of cancer with ostomies. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of our multicenter randomized controlled trial to determine intimacy outcomes and to compare the effects of the Ostomy Self-management Training (OSMT) program vs usual care. Partnered patients were included who provided answers to the City of Hope Quality of Life–Ostomy survey for at least 2 time points during the study. We evaluated the effect of baseline information, such as gender on intimacy. Outcomes: The primary outcome was intimacy, estimated by a composite score created from questions within the City of Hope Quality of Life–Ostomy survey. Results: Of 216 enrolled volunteers, 131 had a partner: 68 in the OSMT arm and 63 in the usual care arm. Of these, 48 were women and 83 were men. The tumor types represented in this study were colorectal (n = 69), urinary (n = 45), gynecologic (n = 10), and other (n = 7; eg, melanoma, liposarcoma). From the cohort, 87 answered the 5 composite intimacy score questions at 2 time points, including baseline. There was significant improvement over time in composite intimacy scores for participants in the OSMT arm vs the usual care arm. Clinical Implications: Our OSMT intervention had a positive effect on factors that contribute to intimacy for survivors of cancer with ostomies, suggesting that a survivorship curriculum can improve their experiences after ostomy surgery. Strengths and Limitations: OSMT allowed for discussion of intimacy and other sensitive topics, which can be challenging. These discussions demonstrate benefit to participants and can serve as frameworks for cancer treatment providers. The focus of this work on partnered participants provides insight into the interpersonal challenges of a life with an ostomy, but it may overlook the important perspectives of nonpartnered participants and the partners themselves. Furthermore, limited power prevented us from conducting subgroup analyses exploring the effects of factors such as gender and tumor type on intimacy. Conclusion: At 6-month follow-up, the novel intimacy composite score indicated improvement for participants completing the OSMT intervention. Future research studies with higher power will validate this intimacy measurement and identify intimacy differences in similar populations based on tumor type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This research is done to examine the coupled thermoelastic response of composite axially graded beams. Thermal shock is applied axially to the beam. Three-dimensional elasticity theory is used to generate the governing equations of motion. While the Fourier heat conduction relationship and the Lord–Shulman heat transfer theorem are used to construct the time-varying heat conduction connection. Using the discrete singular convolution approach and the Laplace transform, the time-varying equations of motion are solved at design locations. A modified version of the Dubner and Abate method is used to translate the system response from the Laplace domain to the time domain. The Whale Optimization Algorithm and the optimized deep neural network are employed as a prediction mechanism to estimate the system reaction under various scenarios in the final stage. By comparing the outcomes of the procedures utilized with those found in published resources, the correctness of the approaches was confirmed. Results on the doubly thermoelastic response of axially graded composite beams exposed to thermal shock loading are important and are presented in this work. As applicable results for related industries can be observed that by changing the boundary conditions from SS to CC, the location of maximum normal strain tends to be at the center of the axially graded beam [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is the most common primary brain tumor in children and adolescents. Treatment strategy largely depends on its key genes and molecular mutations. This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers of PA closely related to its prognosis. The gene expression profiles (series numbers GSE50161, GSE66354, and GSE86574) of PA and normal brain tissues were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The Gene Expression Omnibus2R was used to identify differentially expressed genes. The overlapping differentially expressed genes were subjected to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) database. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) and Cytoscape. The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2) tool analyzed the impact of hub genes on PA prognosis based on the Kaplan–Meier curves. Compared with normal brain tissues (n = 36), a total of 37 upregulated and 144 downregulated genes were identified in PA (n = 40). In the protein-protein interaction network construction and GEPIA2 survival analysis, 2 of the top 10 hub genes were significantly associated with decreased overall survival of PA patients, namely Gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor alpha 2 (hazard ratio = 2.8, P < 0.01) and regulating synaptic membrane exocytosis protein 1) (hazard ratio = 3.2, P < 0.01). This bioinformatics analysis reveals that low expression of Gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor alpha 2 and regulating synaptic membrane exocytosis protein 1 is associated with a favorable prognosis for PA patients. These 2 hub genes could be novel biomarkers for prognosis assessment, furthermore a key element for treatment decisions in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The comorbidities of coronary artery disease (CAD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are mutual risk factors, which lead to higher mortality, but the biological mechanisms connecting the two remain unclear. Here, we aimed to identify the risk genes for the comorbid presence of these two complex diseases using a network modularization approach, to offer insights into clinical therapy and drug development for these diseases. Method: The expression profile data of patients CAD with and without RA were obtained from the GEO database (GSE110008). Based on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct a gene network, detect co-expression modules, and explore their relation to clinical traits. The Zsummary index, gene significance (GS), and module membership (MM) were utilized to screen the important differentiated modules and hub genes. The GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were applied to analyze potential mechanisms. Result: Based on the 278 DEGs obtained, 41 modules were identified, of which 17 and 24 modules were positively and negatively correlated with the comorbid occurrence of CAD and RA (CAD&RA), respectively. Thirteen modules with Zsummary < 2 were found to be the underlying modules, which may be related to CAD&RA. With GS ≥ 0.5 and MM ≥ 0.8, 49 hub genes were identified, such as ADO, ABCA11P, POT1, ZNF141, GPATCH8, ATF6 and MIA3, etc. The area under the curve values of the representative seven hub genes under the three models (LR, KNN, SVM) were greater than 0.88. Enrichment analysis revealed that the biological functions of the targeted modules were mainly involved in cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity, demethylase activity, regulation of calcium ion import, positive regulation of tyrosine, phosphorylation of STAT protein, and tissue migration, etc. Conclusion: Thirteen characteristic modules and 49 susceptibility hub genes were identified, and their corresponding molecular functions may reflect the underlying mechanism of CAD&RA, hence providing insights into the development of clinical therapies against these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cytotoxicity of NK cells is largely dependent on IgG Fc receptor CD16a, which mediates antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). The high-affinity and non-cleavable CD16 (hnCD16) is developed and demonstrated a multi-tumor killing potential. However, the hnCD16 receptor activates a single CD16 signal and provides limited tumor suppression. How to exploit the properties of hnCD16 and incorporate NK cell-specific activation domains is a promising development direction to further improve the anti-tumor activity of NK cells. Methods: To expand the applications of hnCD16-mediated ADCC for NK cell-based immunotherapy in cancer, we designed the hnCD16 Fusion Receptor (FR) constructs with the ectodomain of hnCD16 fused with NK cell-specific activating domains in the cytoplasm. FR constructs were transduced into CD16-negative NK cell line and human iPSC-derived NK (iNK) cells and effective FR constructs were screened. The up-regulation of immune activation- and cytokine-releasing-related pathways in FR-transduced NK cells was screened and validated by RNA sequencing and multiplex cytokines release assay, respectively. The tumor-killing efficiency was tested in vitro and in vivo via co-culture with tumor cell lines and xenograft mice-bearing human B-cell lymphoma, respectively. Results: We screened the most effective combination to kill B cell lymphoma, which was fused with the ectodomain of hnCD16a, NK-specific co-stimulators (2B4 and DAP10) and CD3ζ in cytoplasmic domains. The screened construct showed excellent cytotoxicity effects and sharp multiple cytokines releasing both in the NK cell line and iNK cells. The transcriptomic analysis and validation assays of hnCD16- and hnCD16FR-transduced NK cells showed that hnCD16FR transduction remodeled immune-related transcriptome in NK cells, where significant upregulation of genes related to cytotoxicity, high cytokines releasing, induced tumor cell apoptosis, and ADCC in comparison with hnCD16 transduction were highlighted. In vivo xenograft studies demonstrated that a single low-dose regimen of engineered hnCD16FR iPSC-derived NK cells co-administered with anti-CD20 mAb treatment mediated potent activity and significantly improved survival. Conclusion: We developed a novel hnCD16FR construct that exhibits more potent cytotoxicity than reported hnCD16, which is a promising approach to treat malignancies with improved ADCC properties. We also offer a rationale for NK activation domains that remodel immune response to enhance CD16 signaling in NK cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new strategy to fabricate a multifunctional composite photoanode containing TiO2 hollow spheres (TiO2‐HSs), Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) and novel NaYF4 : Yb,Er@NaLuF4 : Eu@SiO2 upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). The AuNPs are grown on the photoanode film including TiO2‐HSs and UCNPs by a simple in situ plasmonic treatment. As a result, an impressive power conversion efficiency of 14.13 % is obtained, which is a record for N719 dye‐based dye‐sensitized solar cells, demonstrating great potential for the solar cells toward commercialization. This obvious enhancement is ascribed to a collaborative mechanism of the TiO2‐HSs exhibiting excellent light‐scattering ability, of the UCNPs converting near‐infrared photons into visible photons and of the AuNPs presenting outstanding surface plasmon resonance effect. Notably, a steady‐state experiment further reveals that the champion cell exhibits 95.33 % retainment in efficiency even after 180 h of measurements, showing good device stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new strategy to fabricate a multifunctional composite photoanode containing TiO2 hollow spheres (TiO2‐HSs), Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) and novel NaYF4 : Yb,Er@NaLuF4 : Eu@SiO2 upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). The AuNPs are grown on the photoanode film including TiO2‐HSs and UCNPs by a simple in situ plasmonic treatment. As a result, an impressive power conversion efficiency of 14.13 % is obtained, which is a record for N719 dye‐based dye‐sensitized solar cells, demonstrating great potential for the solar cells toward commercialization. This obvious enhancement is ascribed to a collaborative mechanism of the TiO2‐HSs exhibiting excellent light‐scattering ability, of the UCNPs converting near‐infrared photons into visible photons and of the AuNPs presenting outstanding surface plasmon resonance effect. Notably, a steady‐state experiment further reveals that the champion cell exhibits 95.33 % retainment in efficiency even after 180 h of measurements, showing good device stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single base changes causing a change to the amino acid sequence of the encoded protein, which is defined as non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs). Many of the nsSNPs can cause disease, and these nsSNPs are considered as pathogenic mutations. In the study, the high-risk nsSNPs of WFS1 and their influence on the structure and function of wolframin protein were predicted by multiple bioinformatics software. We obtained 13 high-risk nsSNPs of WFS1. All the 13 high-risk nsSNPs are highly conserved residues with a conservative score of 9 or 8 and mostly may cause a decrease in protein stability. The high-risk nsSNPs have an important effect on not only amino acid size, charge and hydrophobicity, but also protein's spatial structure. Among these, 11 nsSNPs had been previously published or cited and 2 nsSNPs (G695S and E776K) had not been reported to date. The two novel variants increased or decreased hydrogen bonds. In conclusion, through different computational tools, it is presumed that the mechanism of pathogenic WFS1 nsSNPs should include the changes of physicochemical properties, significant structural changes and abnormal binding with functional partners. We accomplished the computational-based screening and analysis for deleterious nsSNPs in WFS1, which had important reference value and could contribute to further studies of the mechanism of WFS1 related disease. The computational analysis has many advantages, but the results should be identified by further experimental studies in vivo and in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To compare the safety and therapeutic effect of ultrasound (US)‐guided microwave ablation (MWA) and US‐guided vacuum‐assisted excision (VAE) for patients with B3 lesions of the breast. Methods: Patients who underwent US‐guided MWA or US‐guided VAE at Sichuan Tumor Hospital from January 2016 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The technical success rate and residual rate of the two minimally invasive surgeries were recorded. During follow‐up, differences in symptom relief, recurrence or progression, re‐intervention, incidence of adverse events, or personal satisfaction were observed between the two groups. Results: The follow‐up time was comparable between the two groups. The technical success rate was similar between the two groups; no residue was found in the US‐guided MWA group, and the residue rate in the US‐guided VAE group was 3.4%. The symptoms of the two groups were improved after the operation. The incidence of postoperative adverse events in the US‐guided MWA group was significantly lower than that in the US‐guided VAE group. Additionally, the MWA group had a lower incidence of adverse events when the tumor diameter was >2.5 cm. Compared to the US‐guided VAE group, the US‐guided MWA group had a lower rate of tumor recurrence or progression, re‐intervention rate, and higher personal satisfaction. Conclusions: The technical success rate of US‐guided MWA for B3 lesions was comparable to that of US‐guided VAE, but US‐guided MWA had a lower incidence of adverse events and a higher degree of personal satisfaction compared with US‐guided VAE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Derivation of salivary gland epithelial progenitors (SGEPs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has great potential in developmental biology and regenerative medicine. At present, no efficient method is available to generate salivary gland cells from hPSCs. Here, we described for the first time a robust protocol for direct differentiation of hPSCs into SGEPs by mimicking retinoic acid and Wnt signaling. These hPSC-derived SGEPs expressed SOX9, KRT5, and KRT19, important progenitor markers of developing salivary glands. CD24 and α-SMA positive cells, capable of restoring the functions of injured salivary glands, were also present in SGEP cultures. Importantly, RNA-sequencing revealed that the SGEPs resembled the transcript profiles of human fetal submandibular glands. Therefore, we provided an efficient protocol to induce hPSCs differentiation into SGEPs. Our study provides a foundation for generating functional hPSCs derived salivary gland acinar cells and three-dimensional organoids, potentially serving as new models for basic study and future translational research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing the retaining ring structure can improve the quality of Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP). This study establishes a two-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics-Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) model, while the model is validated by experiments. The results graphically demonstrate the influence of the retaining ring groove design on the motion of the slurry abrasive particles. The size of the retaining ring groove appears to have a threshold value, above which the abrasives start to have significant distribution in the wafer region. As the groove size continues to increase, the number of abrasives entering the ring increases abruptly and oscillates at specific nodes. The abrasive transfer rate increases with the number of grooves in the early stage but reaches a limit at a certain number of grooves. Meanwhile, the retaining ring position affects the transfer of the abrasives. This study provides a base for optimizing the design of retaining rings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with high suicidality, especially for those with suicide attempt (SA). Although impaired oscillatory activity has been previously reported in patients with SA, little is known about precise temporal–spatial variability of its neural dynamics. To solve this, the current study probed the spectral power and network interactions underlying SA in MDD. Methods: The present study recruited 104 subjects including 56 subjects with MDD (30 with SA and 26 without SA) and 48 healthy controls, who performed sad expressions recognition task during magnetoencephalography (MEG) recording. By investigating source‐reconstructed MEG‐data, brain states representing different task stages were estimated from a Hidden Markov model. Spectrum power and network connectivity were compared via Gaussian Mixture Models, and fractional occupancy (FO) of states were compared via an independent F‐test. Results: Brain states were corresponding to various frequencies (theta/beta/low gamma/ high gamma). In low gamma band (35–45 Hz), the early visual state exhibited increased activation and hyper inter‐network connectivity between visual regions and the limbic system, while the middle fronto‐parietal state exhibited attenuated activation and decreased intra‐network connectivity within fronto‐parietal regions in SA group. Crucially, FO values of these two states were significantly correlated with the suicide risks. Conclusions: Suicide behavior of patients with MDD was significantly associated with aberrant oscillations in low gamma band. Elevated oscillations in occipital cortices and attenuated oscillations in fronto‐parietal cortices were significantly associated with SA. Manifesting sadness indulging and reckless decision‐making, the hampered temporal characteristics could help explain the neural‐electric basis of SA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyse the pathogenic genes and mutations of a family with hereditary deafness. We recruited a three-generation family with NSHL. A detailed medical history inquiry and related examinations were performed. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to confirm the gene mutation in the proband, and Sanger sequencing was used for verification. The effect of the WFS1 mutation on the function and structure of the wolframin protein was predicted by multiple computational software. From the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, we obtained GSE40585 dataset and performed enrichment analyses. The family clinically manifested as autosomal dominant NSHL. A novel WFS1 c.2421C>G (p.Ser807Arg) mutation was identified in four affected individuals in the pedigree. The p.Ser807Arg mutation is a highly conserved residue and causes an increase in protein stability. It had an important influence on not only amino acid size, charge and hydrophobicity but also protein intermolecular hydrogen bonding and spatial structure. There were differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GSE40585 dataset. Enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs mainly functioned in amino acid metabolism, signal transduction and dephosphorylation. We reported a novel mutation c.2421C>G (p.Ser807Arg in WFS1. This study expands the mutation spectrum of WFS1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with increased suicidality, and it's still challenging to identify suicide in clinical practice. Although suicide attempt (SA) is the most relevant precursor with multiple functional abnormalities reported from neuroimaging studies, little is known about how the spontaneous transient activated patterns organize and coordinate brain networks underlying SA. Thus, we obtained resting-state magnetoencephalography data for two MDD subgroups of 44 non-suicide patients and 34 suicide-attempted patients, together with 49 matched health-controls. For the source-space signals, Hidden Markov Model (HMM) helped to capture the sub-second dynamic activity via a hidden sequence of finite number of states. Temporal parameters and spectral activation were acquired for each state and then compared between groups. Here, HMM states characterized the spatiotemporal signatures of eight networks. The activity of suicide attempters switches more frequently into the fronto-temporal network, as the time spent occupancy of fronto-temporal state is increased and interval time is decreased compared with the non-suicide patients. Moreover, these changes are significantly correlated with Nurses' Global Assessment of Suicide Risk scores. Suicide attempters also exhibit increased state-wise activations in the theta band (4-8 Hz) in the posterior default mode network centered on posterior cingulate cortex, which can't be detected in the static spectral analysis. These alternations may disturb the time allocations of cognitive control regulations and cause inflexible decision making to SA. As the better sensitivity of dynamic study in reflecting SA diathesis than the static is validated, dynamic stability could serve as a potential neuronal marker for SA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imitation gemstone glass has numerous characteristics, including low cost, rich colour, stable colouring, and the formation of colour-changing effects that can meet the jewellery market demand for beautiful gemstones of middle and low grades. In this study, four types of gem-imitating glass were prepared by the elemental substitution of praseodymium, neodymium and chromium elements based on rare earth glass and examined by combining refractive index, density, spectral characteristics and colour parameters. Sample 1 contained only Pr6O11 and showed a golden-yellow colour like chrysoberyl. Sample 2 contained only Nd2O3 and showed a blue-purple colour like amethyst. Sample 3 contained Pr6O11 and Nd2O3 and appeared green under D65 light source and red under A light source, with a colour-change effect like alexandrite. Sample 4 contained Pr6O11, Nd2O3 and Cr2O3 and showed a highly saturated green colour like emerald because of the strong colouring effect of Cr3+ in the glass. The findings revealed that all four samples are transparent, with a refractive index greater than 1.5 and a density higher than 2.6 g/cm3. The comprehensive performance of the four imitation gemstone glasses can be found in the corresponding natural gemstones, which has a certain practical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of the era of big data promotes the further development of medicine, and data release is an important step in it. The existing medical data release methods mostly use the k-anonymity model as the basis for data protection. With the advancement of technology, anonymous models are progressively less resistant to consistency attacks and background knowledge attacks. In order to better protect the private information of patients, this paper makes two major contributions: (1) The method of calculating the correlation between attributes is used to ensure the validity of the data after the data is released; (2) On the basis of the previous step, combined with the difference privacy-preserving model and tree model, this paper proposes an attribute association-based differential privacy classification tree data publishing method (ACDP-Tree). In this paper, simulation experiments are carried out on real medical data sets. The experimental results show that the algorithm ensures the validity and availability of the data to a certain extent while ensuring that the patient's privacy is not leaked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic digestion is a technology that converts complex organic matter into another form of matter, from which energy can be more easily extracted. The stability and digestion of anaerobic co‐digestion with multiple raw materials as substrates is better than the performance of anaerobic mono‐digestion. In the past two decades, there has been a large amount of literature on how to improve the performance of methane production in the anaerobic co‐digestion process, but few systematic reviews have been conducted. This paper summarizes the factors affecting the development of anaerobic co‐digestion. The process parameters, substrate optimization strategy, microbial community, and model application for improving anaerobic co‐digestion performance were systematically analyzed. Methane purification technology and policies to support digestion projects are also discussed. At present, the technological process is basically mature, but the interaction between various parameters can be studied in depth. Methane purification technology expands the market for the biogas industry and increases its economic benefits. Policy is the key to promoting process technology and the methane market. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the mineral resources formed by geological processes have been effectively utilized with the boom exploration of novel technologies. Traditional analytical methods, such as X-ray Fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, and Scanning electron microscopy, remain the commonly used approaches for resource detection. However, recent accelerations in terahertz component progress have promoted researchers to discover more potential technologies in mineral resource exploration. In this article, the various porosities and calcination products of Chlorite mica carbonate schist, a mineral resource and potent medicine, are detected using the terahertz time–domain spectroscopy. The terahertz constant measurement of Chlorite mica carbonate schist tablets including the amplitude and phase values was carried out. After Fourier transforms, notable differences of absorption coefficients and refractive index are observed from these experimental samples, which have compelling indications to quantitatively analyze the pore conditions and pyrolytic properties of mineral resources. This active research has vital implications for the rock reservoir properties analysis and mineral energy utilization. It is also identified that terahertz time–domain spectroscopy can be considered as a promising method for the qualitative, reliable, and efficient detection of mineral resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Biochar significantly changes the nature of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in soil. • Biochar addition increases the aromaticity and molecular weight of soil DOM. • Modified biochar can effectively reduce the methylation rate in paddy soil. • Biochar significantly decreases MeHg bioaccumulation in rice plants, especially in grain. • Soil DOM modified by biochar is vital to the fate of mercury in rice field. Biochar has been used increasingly as a soil additive to control mercury (Hg) pollution in paddy rice fields. As the most active component of soil organic matter, soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a vital role in the environmental fate of contaminants. However, there are very few studies to determine the impact of biochar on the Hg cycle in rice paddies using insights from DOM. This study used original and modified biochar to investigate their effect on DOM dynamics and their potential impact on methylmercury (MeHg) production and bioaccumulation in rice plants. Porewater DOM was collected to analyze the variations in soil-derived DOM in paddy soils. The results showed that the addition of biochar, whether in original or modified form, significantly reduced the bioaccumulation of MeHg in rice plants, especially in hulls and grains (p <0.05). However, MeHg production in soils was only inhibited by the modified biochar. Biochar addition induced a significant increase in DOM's aromaticity and molecular weight (p <0.05), which decreased Hg bioavailability. Furthermore, enhanced microbial activity was also observed in DOM (p <0.05), further increasing MeHg production in the soil. Thus, the effect of biochar on the fate of Hg cycle involves competition between the two different roles of DOM. This study identified a specific mechanism by which biochar affects Hg behavior in rice paddy soil and contributes to understanding the more general influence of biochar in agriculture and contaminant remediation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber optic sensors based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) have demonstrated outstanding performance in biomedical, environmental monitoring, public safety, and other aspects, which provide powerful platforms for qualitative detection and quantitative analysis of molecular interactions. Among them, multichannel fiber optic SPR sensor has become a core tool in parallel detection scenarios due to the superiorities of compensating for nonspecific binding and environmental fluctuations and implementing multianalyte determination. The realization methods of multichannel sensing revolve around fiber microstructures, enhancement by materials, and hybrid fiber. The applications of multichannel fiber optic SPR sensors are demonstrated in sensing of liquid refractive index (RI), RI and temperature, biochemical molecules, and physical parameters. This review thoroughly analyzes and compares the structure, excitation effect, sensing performance, and the advantages and disadvantages of each type of multichannel fiber optic SPR sensor. Even though there are still some challenges, such as insufficient sensing channels and difficulty in fabrication, in their advancement, efforts in multidiscipline including developing high‐performance sensitive films and innovating micro–nano fabrication processes will overcome these bottlenecks. Lastly, the future development directions of multichannel fiber optic SPR sensors from principle, structure, and material aspects are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decision-makers encounter heightened challenges in analyzing risks due to the intricate nature and uncertainty inherent in complex product delivery scenarios. To address these challenges, a reliability index-based group decision-making approach is proposed. Firstly, considering the abundance of information sources complicates verifying their authenticity, a reliability index is introduced. This index combines evaluation information with the reliability index to form two-dimensional linguistic information. Secondly, recognizing the personalized nature of linguistic information poses hurdles in alternative selection, integrating personalized individual semantics into information aggregation is emphasized. To capture the authentic perspectives of decision-makers, two linguistic optimization models are developed. Thirdly, acknowledging the subconscious emotional interactions among decision-makers and the interplay of opinions among them significantly influencing final decisions, the integration of quantum probability theory is proposed to construct an expert weight optimization model. Ultimately, the effectiveness and feasibility of this method are verified within a manufacturing company, providing crucial insights into real-world complex product delivery risk mitigation strategies. The results demonstrate that our proposed model efficiently integrates two kinds of linguistic information from participants based on personalized cognitions and selects the optimal alternative based on dual belief superposition. This article proposes the first GDM method for analyzing risk factors in complex product delivery, emphasizing personalized cognition and dual belief superposition, which are important factors previously rarely accounted for. • A reliability index is proposed to measure information source reliability. • Two-dimensional linguistic information is used to optimize decision-making. • Two optimization models are set to solve personalized cognitive deviation. • Dual belief superposition is studied to mitigate decision result impact. • A real-world issue for complex product delivery is applied to show the feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate classification of gene expression data is crucial for disease diagnosis and drug discovery. However, gene expression data usually has a large number of features, which poses a challenge for accurate classification. In this paper, a novel feature selection method based on minimal redundancy maximal relevance (mRMR) and aquila optimizer is proposed, which introduces the mRMR method in the initialization stage of the population to generate excellent initial populations, effectively improve the quality of the population, and then, the using random opposition-based learning strategy to improve the diversity of aquila population and accelerate the convergence speed of the algorithm, and finally, introducing inertia weight in the position update formula in the late iteration of the aquila optimizer to avoid the algorithm falling into the local optimum and improve the algorithm’s capability to find the optimum. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, ten real gene expression datasets are selected in this paper and compared with several meta-heuristic algorithms. Experimental results show that the proposed method is significantly superior to other meta-heuristic algorithms in terms of fitness value, classification accuracy and the number of selected features. Compared with the original aquila optimizer, the average classification accuracy of the proposed method on KNN and SVM classifiers is improved by 3.48–12.41% and 0.53–18.63% respectively. The proposed method significantly reduces the feature dimension of gene expression data, retains important features, and obtains higher classification accuracy, providing a new method and idea for feature selection of gene expression data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salivary glands produce saliva that play essential roles in digestion and oral health. Derivation of salivary gland organoids from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) provides a powerful platform to model the organogenesis processes during development. A few studies attempted to differentiate PSCs into salivary gland organoids. However, none of them could recapitulate the morphogenesis of the embryonic salivary glands, and most of the protocols involved complicated manufacturing processes. Methods: To generate PSC-derived salivary gland placodes, the mouse embryonic stem cells were first differentiated into oral ectoderm by treatment with BMP4 on day 3. Retinoic acid and bFGF were then applied to the cultures from day 4 to day 6, followed by a 4-day treatment of FGF10. The PSC-derived salivary gland placodes on day 10 were transplanted to kidney capsules to determine the regenerative potential. Quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and RNA-sequencing were performed to identify the PSC-derived SG placodes. Results: We showed that step-wise treatment of retinoic acid and FGF10 promoted the differentiation of PSCs into salivary gland placodes, which can recapitulate the early morphogenetic events of their fetal counterparts, including the thickening, invagination, and then formed initial buds. The PSC-derived salivary gland placodes also differentiated into developing duct structures and could develop to striated and excretory ducts when transplanted in vivo. Conclusions: The present study provided an easy and safe method to generate salivary gland placodes from PSCs, which offered possibilities for studying salivary gland development in vitro and developing new cell therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Iron‐sulfur (Fe‐S) proteins are among the most common type of natural metalloproteins that participate in a large range of key metabolic processes. To date, enormous research works on the exploration of protein structures and catalytic mechanisms have revealed that the active sites are generally composed of a Fe‐S cluster and a highly conserved coordination environment. Accordingly, people are enlightened by the prebiotic evolution of ancient clusters and are dedicated to the development of biosynthetic methods for modern clusters. This review aims to systemically summarize the structural development of peptide‐coordinated iron‐sulfur clusters from two perspectives: "bottom‐up" approaches involving evolution of prebiotic chemical synthesis for natural proteins and "top‐down" analyses of biosynthesis in modern biological systems for artificial metalloproteins. Moreover, current challenges and the direction of future development are also presented to provide new perspectives of developing enzyme mimics and further mechanistic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium-ion batteries (CIBs) are considered as promising alternatives in large-scale energy storage due to their divalent electron redox properties, low cost, and high volumetric/gravimetric capacity. However, the high charge density of Ca2+ contributes to strong electrostatic interaction between divalent Ca2+ and hosting lattice, leading to sluggish kinetics and poor rate performance. Here, in situ formed poly(anthraquinonyl sulfide) (PAQS)@CNT composite is reported as nonaqueous calcium-ion battery cathode. The enolization redox chemistry of organics has fast redox kinetics, and the introduction of carbon nanotube (CNT) accelerates electron transportation, which contributes to fast ionic diffusion. As the conductivity of the PAQS is enhanced by the increasing content of CNT, the voltage gap is significantly reduced. The PAQS@CNT electrode exhibits specific capacity (116 mAh g-1 at 0.05 A g-1), high rate capacity (60 mAh g-1 at 4 A g-1), and an initial capacity of 82 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1 (83% capacity retention after 500 cycles). The electrochemical mechanism is proved to be that the PAQS undergoes reduction reaction of their carbonyl bond during discharge and becomes coordinated by Ca2+ and Ca(TFSI)+ species. Computational simulation also suggests that the construction of Ca2+ and Ca(TFSI)+ co-intercalation in the PAQS is the most reasonable pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With recent outbreaks of fatal strains of diseases and the emergency of antibiotic resistance, there is a pressing demand to discover bactericidal materials that can effectively reduce or prevent infections by pathogenic bacteria. Herein, silver(I) metal organic frameworks Ag2(HBTC) were embedded into biocompatible polylactic acid (PLA) fibrous membranes through an electrospinning process as an antibiotic-free material for effective bacterial killing. The as-synthesized Ag2(HBTC)/PLA composite membrane showed an inactivation efficiency of more than 99.9% against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) at a concentration of 200–250 mg L−1. Mechanistic investigation indicated that the steady release of Ag+ ions and ˙OH generation from the composites contributed to the efficient antibacterial activities through irreversible damage to the bacterial cell membranes. In-depth proteomic analysis demonstrated that Ag2(HBTC)/PLA exerted a biological effect towards bacterial cells through down-regulating functional proteins, thereby destroying the central biochemical pathways of the cellular energy metabolism process, reducing resistance to oxidative damage and inhibiting cell division. In general, this study shows a promising perspective on designing MOF/PLA membranes with broad-spectrum disinfection capability for potential environmental sterilization and public healthcare protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Selectively replicating herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) vector is a promising treatment for cancer therapy. The insertion of multiple transgenes into the viral genome has been performed to improve its oncolytic activity. Methods: Herein, we simultaneously constructed five "armed" oncolytic viruses (OVs), designated oHSV2-IL12, -IL15, GM-CSF, -PD1v, and IL7 × CCL19. These OVs delete the ICP34.5 and ICP47 genes with the insertion of transgenes into the deleted ICP34.5 locus. The anti-tumor efficacy in vivo was tested in the syngeneic 4T1 and CT26 tumor-bearing mice model. Results: The OVs showed comparable oncolytic capability in vitro. The combination therapy of oHSV2-IL12, -IL15, GM-CSF, -PD1v, and IL7 × CCL19 exhibited the highest tumor inhibition efficacy compared with the treatment of single OV or two OVs combination. Conclusions: The OVs armed with different transgenes combination therapy also named 5-valent oHSV2 (also called cocktail therapy) might be an effective therapeutic strategy for solid tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To assess the efficacy and safety of nivolumab for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) via meta-analysis. Methods. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using nivolumab for patients with advanced RCC published before 30 December 2021. Quality assessments and meta-analyses were performed on all the literature assessed for eligibility. Results. Of 203 studies identified as potentially eligible from 3214 studies in a preliminary search, three RCTs including 2550 RCC cases met the inclusion criteria and were of high quality. Meta-analysis showed benefits of nivolumab in the progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54 to 0.99, P = 0.04) and overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.63 to 0.78, P < 0.001) of patients with advanced RCC, and no increase in documented adverse events was recorded. Conclusion. Nivolumab plus ipilimumab has significant benefits versus sunitinib in the treatment of advanced RCC in terms of tumor progression control and prolongation of OS and PFS, with a manageable safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Amphiphilic calcium alginate forms a three-dimensional hydrogel network. • Amphiphilic calcium alginate can promote soil aggregation. • The introduction of hydrogel increases the adsorption capacity of pesticides and reduces their migration. • Hydrophobic group enhances soil affinity and pesticide retention. Soil aggregation plays an important role in agricultural production activities. However, the structure of soil aggregation is destroyed by the natural environment and unreasonable farming management, resulting in the loss of water, fertilizers and pesticides in soil. At present, hydrogels have been widely reported to promote the formation of soil aggregation. In this paper, amphiphilic calcium alginate (ASA/Ca2+) was applied to promote the formation of soil aggregation and enhance pesticide retention. Initially, an ASA was obtained through the one-pot Ugi condensation (a four-component green chemical reaction). Then, ASA/Ca2+ hydrogel is prepared by Ca2+ cross-linking. The formation of soil aggregation was determined through the Turbiscan Lab Expert stability analyzer, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM), and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). And the effect of soil aggregation on acetamiprid environmental behavior was investigated by adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherms, and leaching. The results shown that the three-dimensional network structure of ASA/Ca2+ hydrogel can promote the formation of soil aggregation. Aggregate durability index (ADI) was 0.55 in the presence of ASA/Ca2+ hydrogel, indicating that amphiphilic hydrogel can enhance the stability of soil aggregation. The adsorbing capacity of acetamiprid was 1.58 times higher than pure soil, and the release of acetamiprid only about 20% in the presence of ASA/Ca2+ hydrogel. These results would be helpful for the formation of soil aggregation and pesticides adsorption on soil aggregation. Thus, ASA/Ca2+ hydrogel is likely to improve soil quality, simultaneously it can minimize the mobility of pesticides in the agricultural system. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide and interact closely with each other. Danhong Injection (DHI) is a widely used preparation for the co-treatment of brain and heart diseases (CTBH). However, the underlying molecular endotype mechanisms of DHI in the CTBH remain unclear. To elucidate the underlying endotype mechanisms of DHI in the CTBH. In this study, we proposed a modular-based disease and drug-integrated analysis (MDDIA) strategy for elucidating the systematic CTBH mechanisms of DHI using high-throughput transcriptome-wide sequencing datasets of DHI in the treatment of patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) and cerebral infarction (CI). First, we identified drug-targeted modules of DHI and disease modules of SAP and CI based on the gene co-expression networks of DHI therapy and the protein–protein interaction networks of diseases. Moreover, module proximity-based topological analyses were applied to screen CTBH co-module pairs and driver genes of DHI. At the same time, the representative driver genes were validated via in vitro experiments on hypoxia/reoxygenation-related cardiomyocytes and neuronal cell lines of H9C2 and HT22. Seven drug-targeted modules of DHI and three disease modules of SAP and CI were identified by co-expression networks. Five modes of modular relationships between the drug and disease modules were distinguished by module proximity-based topological analyses. Moreover, 13 targeted module pairs and 17 driver genes associated with DHI in the CTBH were also screened. Finally, the representative driver genes AKT1 , EDN1 , and RHO were validated by in vitro experiments. This study, based on clinical sequencing data and modular topological analyses, integrated diseases and drug targets. The CTBH mechanism of DHI may involve the altered expression of certain driver genes (SRC, STAT3, EDN1, CYP1A1, RHO, RELA) through various enriched pathways, including the Wnt signaling pathway. [Display omitted] • A modular-based disease and drug-integrated analysis strategy was proposed to reveal the co-treatment mechanisms of diseases. • Drug-targeted modules of Danhong injection and disease modules of stable angina pectoris and cerebral infarction were identified. • Co-module pairs and drive genes of Danhong injection were screened using proximity-based topological analyses. • The representative drive genes were validated by in vitro experiments. • The endotype driven co-module mechanisms of Danhong Injection for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradation of soil organic matter (SOM), which involves greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, plays an essential role in the global carbon cycle. Over the past few decades, this has become an important research focus, particularly in natural ecosystems. SOM biodegradation significantly affects contaminants in the environment, such as mercury (Hg) methylation, producing highly toxic methylmercury (MeHg). However, the potential link between GHG production from SOM turnover in contaminated soils and biogeochemical processes involving contaminants remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of GHG, MeHg production, and the relationship between biogeochemical processes in soils from two typical Hg mining sites. The two contaminated soils have different pathways, explaining the significant variations in GHG and MeHg production. The divergence of the microbial communities in these two biogeochemical processes is essential. In addition to the microbial role, abiotic factors such as Hg species can significantly affect MeHg production. On the other hand, we found an inverse relationship between CH 4 and MeHg, suggesting that carbon emission reduction policies and management could inadvertently increase the MeHg levels. This highlights the need for an eclectic approach to organic carbon sequestration and contaminant containment. These findings suggest that it is difficult to establish a general pattern to describe and explain the SOM degradation and MeHg production in contaminated soils within the specific scenarios. However, this study provides a case study and helpful insights for further understanding the links between environmental risks and carbon turnover in Hg mining areas. [Display omitted] • The relationship between GHG and MeHg production in two Hg-contaminated soils was investigated in this study. • Because of the soil dependence, a general pattern cannot depict the SOM degradation and MeHg production. • The relationship between GHG and MeHg could be attributed to organic matter, microbial community, and Hg speciation. • An inverse relationship was observed between the production of CH 4 and MeHg in Hg-contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive use of fossil fuels puts ecological and economic coordinated development at risk. Photovoltaic systems relieve the pressure of resource extraction and energy generation on climate change, and their installation and module operation affect vegetation productivity and grassland restoration by changing the microenvironment and ecosystem processes. However, it is still unclear whether plants adapt to these changes in photovoltaic systems to sustain their growth. Here, combined stable isotope techniques with plant traits, plant adaptations to photovoltaic systems at different scales were analyzed from the perspectives of water and nutrient sources, uptake, transport, and utilization. The results showed that photovoltaic systems increased water uptake by the dominant species Leymus chinensis from the top 10 cm of the soil and the aboveground biomass. This was associated with strong plasticity of roots and conduction tissues, which improved resource uptake from the fertile surface soil and transport within the plant, and promoted photosynthesis and leaf water loss by inducing stomatal opening. Different from fixed photovoltaic systems, tracking photovoltaic systems improved ecosystem water use efficiency and surface soil nutrient availability by reducing soil temperature. Tilting tracking photovoltaic systems especially promoted biomass accumulation and grassland restoration. The study suggested that photovoltaic systems promoted vegetation restoration of grassland ecosystem in semi-arid region through the water and nutrient coordination and the carbon-water coupling, and provides a solution for reasonable planning of photovoltaic industry and sustainable socio-economic development. • Photovoltaics changed plant water source and increased its water uptake of 0–10 cm. • Plant increased resource uptake and transportation by root traits in photovoltaics. • Plant in photovoltaic achieved carbon-water coupling by carbon gain and water loss. • Tracking photovoltaics improved ecosystem water use efficiency and biomass. • Tilting-tracking photovoltaics promoted power generation and grassland restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there is a limited understanding of the material performance effects and hydration mechanisms of solidified waste-based binder filling materials containing municipal solid waste incineration fly ash in the actual underground filling environment. This study utilized the Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) and Grate Furnace (GF) techniques to produce quadri-component uncalcined binder fill materials from municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWI FA), blast furnace slag (BFS), flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, and tailings. The solidified test blocks were then cured in-situ in a void space of a certain iron underground mine in Hebei with conditions (temperature: 25–30℃, humidity: 18–19%, mine water influx: annual average of 150 m3/h). The research results indicate that the mechanical performance and heavy metal solidification outcomes of these blocks surpassed those samples cured under laboratory conditions (temperature: (20±1)℃, humidity: not less than 90%), demonstrating the feasibility of using MSWI FA for underground binding and backfilling in mines. Building upon preliminary research, a binder mix proportion was established: 20 wt% MSWI FA, 70 wt% BFS, and 10 wt% FGD gypsum. Test blocks were fabricated using lead-zinc tailings sand and iron mine tailings as aggregates. All blocks met the 28-day strength requirements for typical mine backfills ranging from 1 to 6.5 MPa, with the strength of the XB-M group reaching 24 MPa (when cured underground). The leaching concentrations of heavy metals were all below the limits set for class III groundwater standards, with Pb, Zn, Cr, and As achieving a solidification rate of over 98% at 28 days. Microscopic hydration mechanisms indicate that the primary hydration products in the solidified body were ettringite, Friedel's salt, and C-S-H gel. The high content of reactive Al 2 O 3 in the CFB fly ash enables the [AlO 4 ]5- to substitute [SiO 4 ]4-, leading to the formation of a long-chain, high polymerization C-A-S-H phase. Additionally, the abundant Cl- in GF fly ash readily reacted with [Al(OH) 6 ]3−, forming Friedel's salt. The hydration products in the blocks cured under mine conditions significantly increased in their degree of polymerization. This provides a practical application approach for the future treatment and reuse of MSWI FA. [Display omitted] • The study achieved non-cement clinkers with MSWI FA comprising 20% of the mix. • The optimal batch, XB, reaching an impressive 12.7 MPa after 28 days. • GF fly ash with higher chloride content promotes the formation of Friedel's salt. • The solidification rates of Pb, Zn, Cr, and As in XB specimen all exceed 98%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser powder bed fusion is a key technology of additive manufacturing that enables the fabrication of metal parts with complex geometry through a multilayer process. Despite its great promise in design flexibility, wide application of this technology is hindered by a lack of quality assurance in fabrication parts. Melt-pool morphological characteristics are eminent indicators for manufacturing process stability and part quality. However, existing studies on melt-pool morphology focused on key geometric properties (e.g., length, width, size) extracted from melt-pool images for characterizing its variations, and tend to overlook 3D morphological variations of melt pools and ejected spatters. In this paper, we develop a multiscale modeling framework to represent, characterize, and monitor melt-pool variations through 3D morphological features, including multiscale basis function modeling of 3D melt-pool morphology and an iterative search of predominant components for sparse representation of morphological variations in melt-pool images. A case study with real-world experimental data shows that the proposed framework effectively characterizes 3D melt-pool morphological variations and provides salient features for tracking process variations, predicting melt-pool sizes, and detecting spatters. This framework is generally flexible for a wide variety of additive manufacturing (AM)applications such as melt-pool simulation, process monitoring, and anomaly detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]