Curtain wall systems have evolved from aesthetic facade elements into multifunctional building envelopes that actively contribute to energy efficiency and climate responsiveness.This reviewpresents a comprehensive exa...Curtain wall systems have evolved from aesthetic facade elements into multifunctional building envelopes that actively contribute to energy efficiency and climate responsiveness.This reviewpresents a comprehensive examination of curtain walls from an energy-engineering perspective,highlighting their structural typologies(Stick and Unitized),material configurations,and integration with smart technologies such as electrochromic glazing,parametric design algorithms,and Building Management Systems(BMS).Thestudy explores the thermal,acoustic,and solar performance of curtain walls across various climatic zones,supported by comparative analyses and iconic case studies including Apple Park,Burj Khalifa,and Milad Tower.Key challenges—including installation complexity,high maintenance costs,and climate sensitivity—are critically assessed alongside proposed solutions.A central innovation of this work lies in framing curtain walls not only as passive architectural elements but as dynamic interfaces that modulate energy flows,reduce HVAC loads,and enhance occupant comfort.The reviewed data indicate that optimized curtain wall configurations—especially those integrating electrochromic glazing and BIPV modules—can achieve annual energy consumption reductions ranging fromapproximately 5%to 27%,depending on climate,control strategy,and facade typology.The findings offer a valuable reference for architects,energy engineers,and decision-makers seeking to integrate high-performance facades into future-ready building designs.展开更多
Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a debilitating neurological disorder affecting over 10 million people worldwide.PD classification models using voice signals as input are common in the literature.It is believed that using d...Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a debilitating neurological disorder affecting over 10 million people worldwide.PD classification models using voice signals as input are common in the literature.It is believed that using deep learning algorithms further enhances performance;nevertheless,it is challenging due to the nature of small-scale and imbalanced PD datasets.This paper proposed a convolutional neural network-based deep support vector machine(CNN-DSVM)to automate the feature extraction process using CNN and extend the conventional SVM to a DSVM for better classification performance in small-scale PD datasets.A customized kernel function reduces the impact of biased classification towards the majority class(healthy candidates in our consideration).An improved generative adversarial network(IGAN)was designed to generate additional training data to enhance the model’s performance.For performance evaluation,the proposed algorithm achieves a sensitivity of 97.6%and a specificity of 97.3%.The performance comparison is evaluated from five perspectives,including comparisons with different data generation algorithms,feature extraction techniques,kernel functions,and existing works.Results reveal the effectiveness of the IGAN algorithm,which improves the sensitivity and specificity by 4.05%–4.72%and 4.96%–5.86%,respectively;and the effectiveness of the CNN-DSVM algorithm,which improves the sensitivity by 1.24%–57.4%and specificity by 1.04%–163%and reduces biased detection towards the majority class.The ablation experiments confirm the effectiveness of individual components.Two future research directions have also been suggested.展开更多
Background:The medicinal material known as Os Draconis(Longgu)originates from fossilized remains of ancient mammals and is widely used in treating emotional and mental conditions.However,fossil resources are nonrenewa...Background:The medicinal material known as Os Draconis(Longgu)originates from fossilized remains of ancient mammals and is widely used in treating emotional and mental conditions.However,fossil resources are nonrenewable,and clinical demand is increasingly difficult to meet,leading to a proliferation of counterfeit products.During prolonged geological burial,static pressure from the surrounding strata severely compromises the microstructural integrity of osteons in Os Draconis,but Os Draconis still largely retains the structural features of mammalian bone.Methods:Using verified authentic Os Draconis samples over 10,000 years old as a baseline,this study summarizes the ultrastructural characteristics of genuine Os Draconis.Employing electron probe microanalysis and optical polarized light microscopy,we examined 28 batches of authentic Os Draconis and 31 batches of counterfeits to identify their ultrastructural differences.Key points for ultrastructural identification of Os Draconis were compiled,and a new identification approach was proposed based on these differences.Results:Authentic Os Draconis exhibited distinct ultrastructural markers:irregularly shaped osteons with traversing fissures,deformed/displaced Haversian canals,and secondary mineral infill(predominantly calcium carbonate).Counterfeits showed regular osteon arrangements,absent traversal fissures,and homogeneous hydroxyapatite composition.Lab-simulated samples lacked structural degradation features.EPMA confirmed calcium carbonate infill in fossilized Haversian canals,while elemental profiles differentiated lacunae types(void vs.mineral-packed).Conclusion:The study established ultrastructural criteria for authentic Os Draconis identification:osteon deformation,geological fissures penetrating bone units,and heterogenous mineral deposition.These features,unattainable in counterfeits or modern processed bones,provide a cost-effective,accurate identification method.This approach bridges gaps in TCM material standardization and supports quality control for clinical applications.展开更多
Synaptic pruning is a crucial process in synaptic refinement,eliminating unstable synaptic connections in neural circuits.This process is triggered and regulated primarily by spontaneous neural activity and experience...Synaptic pruning is a crucial process in synaptic refinement,eliminating unstable synaptic connections in neural circuits.This process is triggered and regulated primarily by spontaneous neural activity and experience-dependent mechanisms.The pruning process involves multiple molecular signals and a series of regulatory activities governing the“eat me”and“don't eat me”states.Under physiological conditions,the interaction between glial cells and neurons results in the clearance of unnecessary synapses,maintaining normal neural circuit functionality via synaptic pruning.Alterations in genetic and environmental factors can lead to imbalanced synaptic pruning,thus promoting the occurrence and development of autism spectrum disorder,schizophrenia,Alzheimer's disease,and other neurological disorders.In this review,we investigated the molecular mechanisms responsible for synaptic pruning during neural development.We focus on how synaptic pruning can regulate neural circuits and its association with neurological disorders.Furthermore,we discuss the application of emerging optical and imaging technologies to observe synaptic structure and function,as well as their potential for clinical translation.Our aim was to enhance our understanding of synaptic pruning during neural development,including the molecular basis underlying the regulation of synaptic function and the dynamic changes in synaptic density,and to investigate the potential role of these mechanisms in the pathophysiology of neurological diseases,thus providing a theoretical foundation for the treatment of neurological disorders.展开更多
Global challenges,including resource inefficiency,rising food demand,sustainability concerns,and climate change,necessitate more efficient and resilient agricultural systems.Conservation agriculture(CA),which is based...Global challenges,including resource inefficiency,rising food demand,sustainability concerns,and climate change,necessitate more efficient and resilient agricultural systems.Conservation agriculture(CA),which is based on the principles of the minimum mechanical soil disturbance,permanent soil organic cover,and species diversification,provides a promising solution.This study examined the principles and mechanisms of CA,assessed its benefits and constraints,and identified key research gaps.This study focused on CA outcomes related to soil health,biodiversity,productivity,and ecosystem services,considering factors such as climate,soil type,and management practices.CA has demonstrated the potential to improve soil health,enhance biodiversity,and boost productivity across diverse regions.However,its effectiveness has been found to vary across studies,emphasizing the need for a more critical understanding of its benefits and limitations.Moreover,variations in outcomes are evident due to differences in experimental methodologies,environmental conditions,and socioeconomic factors.For the widespread adoption of CA practices,it is necessary to make personalized adjustments to it,integrating the corresponding technologies,thereby meeting the needs of farmers.Interdisciplinary research is crucial to refining CA practices and addressing existing knowledge gaps.This study is practiced to enhance the understanding of the potential of CA to promote a sustainable global food production system.展开更多
Machine learning-assisted methods for rapid and accurate prediction of temperature field,mushy zone,and grain size were proposed for the heating−cooling combined mold(HCCM)horizontal continuous casting of C70250 alloy...Machine learning-assisted methods for rapid and accurate prediction of temperature field,mushy zone,and grain size were proposed for the heating−cooling combined mold(HCCM)horizontal continuous casting of C70250 alloy plates.First,finite element simulations of casting processes were carried out with various parameters to build a dataset.Subsequently,different machine learning algorithms were employed to achieve high precision in predicting temperature fields,mushy zone locations,mushy zone inclination angle,and billet grain size.Finally,the process parameters were quickly optimized using a strategy consisting of random generation,prediction,and screening,allowing the mushy zone to be controlled to the desired target.The optimized parameters are 1234℃for heating mold temperature,47 mm/min for casting speed,and 10 L/min for cooling water flow rate.The optimized mushy zone is located in the middle of the second heat insulation section and has an inclination angle of roughly 7°.展开更多
Large language models(LLMs)have emerged as transformative tools in radiology artificial intelligence(AI),offering significant capabilities in areas such as image report generation,clinical decision support,and workflo...Large language models(LLMs)have emerged as transformative tools in radiology artificial intelligence(AI),offering significant capabilities in areas such as image report generation,clinical decision support,and workflow optimization.The first part of this manuscript presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of LLM applications in radiology,including their historical evolution,technical foundations,and practical uses.Despite notable advances,inherent architectural constraints,such as token-level sequential processing,limit their ability to perform deep abstract reasoning and holistic contextual understanding,which are critical for fine-grained diagnostic interpretation.We provide a critical perspective on current LLMs and discuss key challenges,including model reliability,bias,and explainability,highlighting the pressing need for novel approaches to advance radiology AI.Large concept models(LCMs)represent a nascent and promising paradigm in radiology AI,designed to transcend the limitations of token-level processing by utilizing higher-order conceptual representations and multimodal data integration.The second part of this manuscript introduces the foundational principles and theoretical framework of LCMs,highlighting their potential to facilitate enhanced semantic reasoning,long-range context synthesis,and improved clinical decision-making.Critically,the core of this section is the proposal of a novel theoretical framework for LCMs,formalized and extended from our group’s foundational concept-based models-the world’s earliest articulation of this paradigm for medical AI.This conceptual shift has since been externally validated and propelled by the recent publication of the LCM architectural proposal by Meta AI,providing a large-scale engineering blueprint for the future development of this technology.We also outline future research directions and the transformative implications of this emerging AI paradigm for radiologic practice,aiming to provide a blueprint for advancing toward human-like conceptual understanding in AI.While challenges persist,we are at the very beginning of a new era,and it is not unreasonable to hope that future advancements will overcome these hurdles,pushing the boundaries of AI in Radiology,far beyond even the most state-of-the-art models of today.展开更多
Pancreatic vipoma is an extremely rare tumor accounting for less than 2% of endocrine pancreatic neoplasms with a reported incidence of 0.1-0.6 per million. While cross-sectional imaging findings are usually not speci...Pancreatic vipoma is an extremely rare tumor accounting for less than 2% of endocrine pancreatic neoplasms with a reported incidence of 0.1-0.6 per million. While cross-sectional imaging findings are usually not specific, exact localization of the tumor by means of either computed tomography(CT) or magnetic resonance(MR) is pivotal for surgical planning. However, cross-sectional imaging findings are usually not specific and further characterization of the tumor may only be achieved bysomatostatin-receptor scintigraphy(SRS). We report the case of a 70 years old female with a two years history of watery diarrhoea who was found to have a solid, inhomogeneously enhancing lesion at the level of the pancreatic tail at Gadolinium-enhanced MR(Somatom Trio 3T, Siemens, Germany). The tumor had been prospectively overlooked at a contrast-enhanced multi-detector CT(Aquilion 64, Toshiba, Japan) performed after i.v. bolus injection of only 100 cc of iodinated non ionic contrast media because of a chronic renal failure(3.4 mg/mL) but it was subsequently confirmed by SRS. The patient first underwent a successful symptomatic treatment with somatostatin analogues and was then submitted to a distal pancreasectomy with splenectomy to remove a capsulated whitish tumor which turned out to be a well-differentiated vipoma at histological and immuno-histochemical analysis.展开更多
In 2021,approximately 537 million people suffered from diabetes mellitus(DM)globally,and this figure will increase to approximately 783 million within the next quarter-century.The increasing burden of DM is a pressing...In 2021,approximately 537 million people suffered from diabetes mellitus(DM)globally,and this figure will increase to approximately 783 million within the next quarter-century.The increasing burden of DM is a pressing global public health issue.Therefore,the early identification of high-risk groups and implementation of effective intervention measures is imperative.展开更多
Atomically precise palladium(Pd)clusters are emerging as versatile nanomaterials with applications in catalysis and biomedicine.This study explores the synthesis,structure evolution,and catalytic properties of Pd clus...Atomically precise palladium(Pd)clusters are emerging as versatile nanomaterials with applications in catalysis and biomedicine.This study explores the synthesis,structure evolution,and catalytic properties of Pd clusters stabilized by cyclohexanethiol(HSC_(6)H_(11))ligands.Using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(ESI-MS)and single-crystal X-ray diffraction(SXRD),structures of the Pd clusters ranging from Pd4(SC_(6)H_(11))8 to Pd18(SC_(6)H_(11))36 were determined.This analysis revealed a structure evolution from polygonal to elliptical geometries of the PdnS2n frameworks as the cluster size increased.UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy,combined with quantum chemical calculations,elucidated changes in the electronic structure of the clusters.Catalytic studies on the Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions demonstrated a size-dependent decline in activity attributed to variations in structural arrangements and electronic properties.Mechanistic insights proposed a distinctive Pd(Ⅱ)-Pd(Ⅳ)catalytic cycle.This research underscores how ligands and cluster size influence the structures and properties of Pd clusters,offering valuable insights for the future design and application of Pd clusters in advanced catalysis and beyond.展开更多
Secondary injury following spinal cord injury is primarily characterized by a complex inflammatory response,with resident microglia and infiltrating macrophages playing pivotal roles.While previous studies have groupe...Secondary injury following spinal cord injury is primarily characterized by a complex inflammatory response,with resident microglia and infiltrating macrophages playing pivotal roles.While previous studies have grouped these two cell types together based on similarities in structure and function,an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that microglia and macrophages exhibit differences in structure and function and have different effects on disease processes.In this study,we used single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to identify the distinct evolutionary paths of microglia and macrophages following spinal cord injury.Our results showed that microglia were activated to a pro-inflammatory phenotype immediately after spinal cord injury,gradually transforming to an anti-inflammatory steady state phenotype as the disease progressed.Regarding macrophages,our findings highlighted abundant communication with other cells,including fibroblasts and neurons.Both pro-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of macrophages were also identified;the pro-inflammatory effect may be related to integrin β2(Itgb2) and the neuroprotective effect may be related to the oncostatin M pathway.These findings were validated by in vivo experiments.This research underscores differences in the cellular dynamics of microglia and macrophages following spinal cord injury,and may offer new perspectives on inflammatory mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.展开更多
The issue of resistance reduction through hull ventilation is of particular interest in contemporary research.This paper presents multiphase computational fluid dynamics(CFD)simulations with 2-DOF motion of a planing ...The issue of resistance reduction through hull ventilation is of particular interest in contemporary research.This paper presents multiphase computational fluid dynamics(CFD)simulations with 2-DOF motion of a planing hull.The original hull was modified by introducing a step to allow air ventilation.Following an assessment of the hull performance,a simulation campaign in calm water was conducted to characterize the hull at various forward speeds and air insufflation rates for a defined single step geometry.Geometric analysis of the air layer thickness beneath the hull for each simulated condition was performed using a novel method for visualizing local air thickness.Additionally,two new parameters were introduced to understand the influence of spray rails on the air volume beneath the hull and to indicate the primary direction of ventilated air escape.A validation campaign and an assessment of uncertainty of the simulation has been conducted.The features offered by the CFD methodology include the evaluation of the air layer thickness as a function of hull velocity and injection flow rate and the air volume distribution beneath the hull.The air injection velocity can be adjusted across various operating conditions,thereby preventing performance or efficiency loss during navigation.Based on these findings,the study highlights the benefits of air insufflation in reducing hull resistance for high-speed planing vessels.This work lays a robust foundation for future research and new promising topics,as the exploration of air insufflation continues to be a topic of contemporary interest within naval architecture and hydrodynamics.展开更多
Background:Cyperi Rhizoma,derived from Cyperus rotundus L.,is a widely used medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),with Shandong Province recognized as its geo-authentic habitat.However,the quality of Cyp...Background:Cyperi Rhizoma,derived from Cyperus rotundus L.,is a widely used medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),with Shandong Province recognized as its geo-authentic habitat.However,the quality of Cyperi Rhizoma varies significantly across different regions,potentially influencing its therapeutic efficacy.This study investigates the influence of geographic origin on the chemical composition and overall quality of Cyperi Rhizoma.Methods:A comprehensive approach,including traditional quality assessment,GC-MS(g as c hromatography-m ass s pectrometry),RP-HPLC(r everse p hase h igh-p erformance l iquid c hromatography),and FT-IR(f ourier t ransform i nfrared s pectroscopy)techniques,was employed to analyze Cyperi Rhizoma samples from Shandong Province.These methods examined the physical appearance,chemical profile,and content variations,particularly focusing onα-cyperone.Results:Traditional quality assessments revealed noticeable differences in the external characteristics of the samples.GC-MS analysis identified a variety of unique chemical constituents,while RP-HPLC and FT-IR showed significant variations inα-cyperone content,with higher levels found in Shandong samples.Conclusion:These results demonstrate that geographic origin is a critical determinant of Cyperi Rhizoma quality,with Shandong specimens exhibiting superiorα-cyperone levels and characteristic phytochemical profiles.This validates the geo-authenticity concept in TCM and provides actionable data for developing evidence-based quality standards,suggesting that provenance should be prioritized in medicinal material selection and pharmacopeial specifications.展开更多
Inflammatory bowel diseases are inflammatory, chronic and progressive diseases of the intestinal tract for which no curative treatment is available. Research in other fields with stem cells of different sources and wi...Inflammatory bowel diseases are inflammatory, chronic and progressive diseases of the intestinal tract for which no curative treatment is available. Research in other fields with stem cells of different sources and with immunoregulatory cells(regulatory T-lymphocytes and dendritic T-cells) opens up new expectations for their use in these diseases. The goal for stem cell-based therapy is to provide a permanent cure. To achieve this, it will be necessary to obtain a cellular product, original or genetically modified, that has a high migration capacity and homes into the intestine, has high survival after transplantation, regulates the immune reaction while not being visible to the patient's immune system, and repairs the injured tissue.展开更多
Cell therapy has the potential to improve healing of ischemic heart, repopulate injured myocardium and restore cardiac function. The tremendous hope and potential of stem cell therapy is well understood, yet recent tr...Cell therapy has the potential to improve healing of ischemic heart, repopulate injured myocardium and restore cardiac function. The tremendous hope and potential of stem cell therapy is well understood, yet recent trials involving cell therapy for cardiovascular diseases have yielded mixed results with inconsistent data thereby readdressing controversies and unresolved questions regarding stem cell efficacy for ischemic cardiac disease treatment. These controversies are believed to arise by the lack of uniformity of the clinical trial methodologies, uncertainty regarding the underlying reparative mechanisms of stem cells, questions concerning the most appropriate cell population to use, the proper delivery method and timing in relation to the moment of infarction, as well as the poor stem cell survival and engraftment especially in a diseased microenvironment which is collectively acknowledged as a major hindrance to any form of cell therapy. Indeed, the microenvironment of the failing heart exhibits pathological hypoxic, oxidative and inflammatory stressors impairing the survival of transplanted cells. Therefore, in order to observe any significant therapeutic benefit there is a need to increase resilience of stem cells to death in the transplant microenvironment while preserving or better yet improving their reparative functionality. Although stem cell differentiation into cardiomyocytes has been observed in some instance, the prevailing reparative benefits are afforded through paracrine mechanisms that promote angiogenesis, cell survival, transdifferentiate host cells and modulate immune responses. Therefore, to maximize their reparative functionality, ex vivo manipulation of stem cells through physical, genetic and pharmacological means have shown promise to enable cells to thrive in the postischemic transplant microenvironment. In the present work, we will overview the current status of stem cell therapy for ischemic heart disease, discuss the most recurring cell populations employed, the mechanisms by which stem cells deliver a therapeutic benefit andstrategies that have been used to optimize and increase survival and functionality of stem cells including ex vivo preconditioning with drugs and a novel "pharmacooptimizer" as well as genetic modifications.展开更多
Silicosis is one of the most serious and prevalent occupational diseases globally,characterized by typical silicotic nodules and fibrosis.Recent studies suggest that the perinodular zone of the lung shares certain cha...Silicosis is one of the most serious and prevalent occupational diseases globally,characterized by typical silicotic nodules and fibrosis.Recent studies suggest that the perinodular zone of the lung shares certain characteristics with the nodules themselves.In this study,a silicotic rat model was established via a single intratracheal in-stillation of a 50 mg/mL silica suspension.Pulmonary anatomical and pathological examinations revealed that silica deposition induced severe alterations in both the nodular and perinodular tissues.Subsequently,pseudo-targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that abnormally elevated ornithine levels were closely associated with the progression of silicosis,from normal to perinodular and finally to nodular tissues.Immunofluorescent stain-ing demonstrated that,in addition to M2 macrophages,silica exposure increased the protein levels of ARG1 in epithelial cells,a finding further confirmed by in vitro experiments using A549 and BEAS-2B cells.Moreover,accumulated ornithine induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vitro,increased extracellular matrix expres-sion in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts,and enhanced TGF-β1 levels in RAW264.7 cells.Co-exposure to ornithine and silica significantly induced the aberrant expression of fibrosis-associated proteins compared to silica exposure alone,characterized by increased levels of FN and𝛼-SMA,as well as decreased E-cad expression.These findings sug-gest that silica exposure up-regulates ARG1 in various cells,leading to ornithine accumulation,which in turn accelerates the progression of fibrosis.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the association between CYP1A1 and GSTs genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)and esophageal adenocarcinoma(ADC)in a high risk area of northwest of France. ...AIM:To evaluate the association between CYP1A1 and GSTs genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)and esophageal adenocarcinoma(ADC)in a high risk area of northwest of France. METHODS:A case-control study was conducted to investigate the genetic polymorphisms of these enzymes (CYPIAI*2C and GSTP1 exon 7 Val alleles,GSTMI*2/*2 and GSTTl *2/*2 null genotypes).A total of 79 esophageal cancer cases and 130 controls were recruited. RESULTS:GSTMI*2/*2 and CYPIAI*IA/*2C genotype frequencies were higher among squamous cell carcinomas at a level dose to statistical significance(OR =1.83,95% CI 0.88-3.83,P=0.11;OR=3.03,95% CI 0.93-9.90,P=0.07, respectively).For GSTP1 polymorphism,no difference was found between controls and cases,whatever their histological status.Lower frequency of GSTT1 deletion was observed in ADC group compared to controls with a statistically significant difference(OR=13.31,95% CI 1.66-106.92,P<0.01). CONCLUSION:In SCC,our results are consistent with the strong association of this kind of tumour with tobacco exposure.In ADC,our results suggest 3 distinct hypotheses: (1)activation of exogenous procarcinogens,such as small halogenated compounds by GSTT1;(2)contribution of GSTT1 to the inflammatory response of esophageal mucosa,which is known to be a strong risk factor for ADC, possibly through leukotriene synthesis;(3)higher sensitivity to the inflammatory process associated with intracellular depletion of glutathione.展开更多
A high-entropy matrix with highly polarizable elements sharing a rare-earth element at the same crystallographic site was designed using the chemical formula Ba_(1/5)Pb_(1/5)Sr_(1/5)RE_(1/5)K_(1/5)TiO_(3)(BPSREKTO),wh...A high-entropy matrix with highly polarizable elements sharing a rare-earth element at the same crystallographic site was designed using the chemical formula Ba_(1/5)Pb_(1/5)Sr_(1/5)RE_(1/5)K_(1/5)TiO_(3)(BPSREKTO),where rare-earth(RE)=La,Nb,Sm,Gd,Dy,Ho,Y,and Lu.Single-phase stability was observed only in the BPSREKTO with RE=La,Nd,and Sm high-entropy compounds.The crystal structure,optical properties,and ferroelectric nature of the single-phase ceramic compounds were investigated.Elemental and structural analyses revealed that all the cations were homogeneously distributed in a global centrosymmetric cubic structure(S.G.Pm3m).Optical absorption showed that the RE=Nd compound is more photoactive in the 200-1000 nm wavelength range,unlike the RE=La,Sm high-entropy compounds.The introduction of RE elements in high-entropy ceramic(HEC)systems affects the indirect bandgap of BPSREKTO with RE=La,Nd,and Sm.It was also found that cationic disorder increases the Urbach energy,leading to a decrease in the indirect energy bandgap in the HEC compound compared to the homologue BaTiO_(3)/SrTiO_(3) single-phase.The dielectric spectra show a broad peak in the dielectric constant and dielectric loss,which are shifted in temperatures with increasing frequencies due to a relaxor ferroelectric transition typical of the diffuse phase transitions.This relaxor behavior was unexpected,because the global crystal structure was centrosymmetric,implying an increase in the number of polar nanoregions(PNRs).These PNRs coexisting with non-polar regions(NPRs)were observed using piezo-force microscopy.Furthermore,the slim polarization loop confirmed the relaxor behavior of BPSREKTO with RE=La,Nd,and Sm.These ferroelectric features make these RE-modified HEC materials good candidates for high-energy storage applications.展开更多
One-carbon(C1)compounds,such as CO_(2),methane,and methanol,are emerging as promising feedstocks for next-generation biomanufacturing due to their abundance and low cost.In recent years,there has been growing interest...One-carbon(C1)compounds,such as CO_(2),methane,and methanol,are emerging as promising feedstocks for next-generation biomanufacturing due to their abundance and low cost.In recent years,there has been growing interest in harnessing microorganisms to convert these carbon sources into valuable natural products(NPs),which offers great potential for sustainable development.This review systematically outlines recent advancements in biocatalysts,synthetic biology,and process optimization aimed at improving the feasibility and scalability of producing C1-based NPs.Current challenges and insights into NPs biomanufacturing from C1 compounds are thoroughly examined in the areas of multi-gene editing,metabolic regulation,and synthetic microbial consortium.With ongoing progress in biosynthetic tools and fermentation techniques,C1-based biomanufacturing is becoming a versatile and sustainable platform for generating diverse value-added products.展开更多
This paper addresses a fundamental question in rock mechanics:Are there Class II rocks?The historical development of servo-controlled rock testing machines is reviewed,followed by a brief review of some stiff testing ...This paper addresses a fundamental question in rock mechanics:Are there Class II rocks?The historical development of servo-controlled rock testing machines is reviewed,followed by a brief review of some stiff testing machines.The pioneering work of some researchers is reviewed,and the misconception of classifying rocks into Class I and Class II is discussed.The mechanism of post-peak Class II behavior is discussed based on some recent test results.When a brittle hard rock is tested using a soft testing machine under axial-strain-controlled loading,violent failure can occur when the peak strength is reached,and the post-peak stress-strain curve cannot be obtained.However,a Class II post-peak stress-strain curve can be obtained when the rock is tested under lateral-strain-controlled loading.If a stiff testing machine is used,Class I and Class II post-peak stress-strain curves will be obtained under axial-and lateral-strain-controlled loadings,respectively.It is therefore not appropriate to classify rocks into Class I or Class II rocks.The influences of other conditions,such as rock type,confinement,and specimen height-to-diameter ratio,on the type(Class I or Class II)of post-peak stress-strain curves are also discussed.Finally,some misconceptions in the rock mechanics community,stemming from the concept of“Class II rock”,are discussed.By clarifying these concepts related to Class I and Class II behaviors,this paper seeks to clarify misunderstandings and misapplications related to post-peak strength and deformation properties in the field.展开更多
文摘Curtain wall systems have evolved from aesthetic facade elements into multifunctional building envelopes that actively contribute to energy efficiency and climate responsiveness.This reviewpresents a comprehensive examination of curtain walls from an energy-engineering perspective,highlighting their structural typologies(Stick and Unitized),material configurations,and integration with smart technologies such as electrochromic glazing,parametric design algorithms,and Building Management Systems(BMS).Thestudy explores the thermal,acoustic,and solar performance of curtain walls across various climatic zones,supported by comparative analyses and iconic case studies including Apple Park,Burj Khalifa,and Milad Tower.Key challenges—including installation complexity,high maintenance costs,and climate sensitivity—are critically assessed alongside proposed solutions.A central innovation of this work lies in framing curtain walls not only as passive architectural elements but as dynamic interfaces that modulate energy flows,reduce HVAC loads,and enhance occupant comfort.The reviewed data indicate that optimized curtain wall configurations—especially those integrating electrochromic glazing and BIPV modules—can achieve annual energy consumption reductions ranging fromapproximately 5%to 27%,depending on climate,control strategy,and facade typology.The findings offer a valuable reference for architects,energy engineers,and decision-makers seeking to integrate high-performance facades into future-ready building designs.
基金The work described in this paper was fully supported by a grant from Hong Kong Metropolitan University(RIF/2021/05).
文摘Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a debilitating neurological disorder affecting over 10 million people worldwide.PD classification models using voice signals as input are common in the literature.It is believed that using deep learning algorithms further enhances performance;nevertheless,it is challenging due to the nature of small-scale and imbalanced PD datasets.This paper proposed a convolutional neural network-based deep support vector machine(CNN-DSVM)to automate the feature extraction process using CNN and extend the conventional SVM to a DSVM for better classification performance in small-scale PD datasets.A customized kernel function reduces the impact of biased classification towards the majority class(healthy candidates in our consideration).An improved generative adversarial network(IGAN)was designed to generate additional training data to enhance the model’s performance.For performance evaluation,the proposed algorithm achieves a sensitivity of 97.6%and a specificity of 97.3%.The performance comparison is evaluated from five perspectives,including comparisons with different data generation algorithms,feature extraction techniques,kernel functions,and existing works.Results reveal the effectiveness of the IGAN algorithm,which improves the sensitivity and specificity by 4.05%–4.72%and 4.96%–5.86%,respectively;and the effectiveness of the CNN-DSVM algorithm,which improves the sensitivity by 1.24%–57.4%and specificity by 1.04%–163%and reduces biased detection towards the majority class.The ablation experiments confirm the effectiveness of individual components.Two future research directions have also been suggested.
基金supported by the Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences(CI2021A04013)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82204610)+1 种基金the Qihang Talent Program(L2022046)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Public Welfare Research Institutes(ZZ15-YQ-041 and L2021029).
文摘Background:The medicinal material known as Os Draconis(Longgu)originates from fossilized remains of ancient mammals and is widely used in treating emotional and mental conditions.However,fossil resources are nonrenewable,and clinical demand is increasingly difficult to meet,leading to a proliferation of counterfeit products.During prolonged geological burial,static pressure from the surrounding strata severely compromises the microstructural integrity of osteons in Os Draconis,but Os Draconis still largely retains the structural features of mammalian bone.Methods:Using verified authentic Os Draconis samples over 10,000 years old as a baseline,this study summarizes the ultrastructural characteristics of genuine Os Draconis.Employing electron probe microanalysis and optical polarized light microscopy,we examined 28 batches of authentic Os Draconis and 31 batches of counterfeits to identify their ultrastructural differences.Key points for ultrastructural identification of Os Draconis were compiled,and a new identification approach was proposed based on these differences.Results:Authentic Os Draconis exhibited distinct ultrastructural markers:irregularly shaped osteons with traversing fissures,deformed/displaced Haversian canals,and secondary mineral infill(predominantly calcium carbonate).Counterfeits showed regular osteon arrangements,absent traversal fissures,and homogeneous hydroxyapatite composition.Lab-simulated samples lacked structural degradation features.EPMA confirmed calcium carbonate infill in fossilized Haversian canals,while elemental profiles differentiated lacunae types(void vs.mineral-packed).Conclusion:The study established ultrastructural criteria for authentic Os Draconis identification:osteon deformation,geological fissures penetrating bone units,and heterogenous mineral deposition.These features,unattainable in counterfeits or modern processed bones,provide a cost-effective,accurate identification method.This approach bridges gaps in TCM material standardization and supports quality control for clinical applications.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.31760290,82160688the Key Development Areas Project of Ganzhou Science and Technology,No.2022B-SF9554(all to XL)。
文摘Synaptic pruning is a crucial process in synaptic refinement,eliminating unstable synaptic connections in neural circuits.This process is triggered and regulated primarily by spontaneous neural activity and experience-dependent mechanisms.The pruning process involves multiple molecular signals and a series of regulatory activities governing the“eat me”and“don't eat me”states.Under physiological conditions,the interaction between glial cells and neurons results in the clearance of unnecessary synapses,maintaining normal neural circuit functionality via synaptic pruning.Alterations in genetic and environmental factors can lead to imbalanced synaptic pruning,thus promoting the occurrence and development of autism spectrum disorder,schizophrenia,Alzheimer's disease,and other neurological disorders.In this review,we investigated the molecular mechanisms responsible for synaptic pruning during neural development.We focus on how synaptic pruning can regulate neural circuits and its association with neurological disorders.Furthermore,we discuss the application of emerging optical and imaging technologies to observe synaptic structure and function,as well as their potential for clinical translation.Our aim was to enhance our understanding of synaptic pruning during neural development,including the molecular basis underlying the regulation of synaptic function and the dynamic changes in synaptic density,and to investigate the potential role of these mechanisms in the pathophysiology of neurological diseases,thus providing a theoretical foundation for the treatment of neurological disorders.
文摘Global challenges,including resource inefficiency,rising food demand,sustainability concerns,and climate change,necessitate more efficient and resilient agricultural systems.Conservation agriculture(CA),which is based on the principles of the minimum mechanical soil disturbance,permanent soil organic cover,and species diversification,provides a promising solution.This study examined the principles and mechanisms of CA,assessed its benefits and constraints,and identified key research gaps.This study focused on CA outcomes related to soil health,biodiversity,productivity,and ecosystem services,considering factors such as climate,soil type,and management practices.CA has demonstrated the potential to improve soil health,enhance biodiversity,and boost productivity across diverse regions.However,its effectiveness has been found to vary across studies,emphasizing the need for a more critical understanding of its benefits and limitations.Moreover,variations in outcomes are evident due to differences in experimental methodologies,environmental conditions,and socioeconomic factors.For the widespread adoption of CA practices,it is necessary to make personalized adjustments to it,integrating the corresponding technologies,thereby meeting the needs of farmers.Interdisciplinary research is crucial to refining CA practices and addressing existing knowledge gaps.This study is practiced to enhance the understanding of the potential of CA to promote a sustainable global food production system.
基金financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (No. 2023YFB3812601)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51925401)the Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by CAST, China (No. 2022QNRC001)。
文摘Machine learning-assisted methods for rapid and accurate prediction of temperature field,mushy zone,and grain size were proposed for the heating−cooling combined mold(HCCM)horizontal continuous casting of C70250 alloy plates.First,finite element simulations of casting processes were carried out with various parameters to build a dataset.Subsequently,different machine learning algorithms were employed to achieve high precision in predicting temperature fields,mushy zone locations,mushy zone inclination angle,and billet grain size.Finally,the process parameters were quickly optimized using a strategy consisting of random generation,prediction,and screening,allowing the mushy zone to be controlled to the desired target.The optimized parameters are 1234℃for heating mold temperature,47 mm/min for casting speed,and 10 L/min for cooling water flow rate.The optimized mushy zone is located in the middle of the second heat insulation section and has an inclination angle of roughly 7°.
文摘Large language models(LLMs)have emerged as transformative tools in radiology artificial intelligence(AI),offering significant capabilities in areas such as image report generation,clinical decision support,and workflow optimization.The first part of this manuscript presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of LLM applications in radiology,including their historical evolution,technical foundations,and practical uses.Despite notable advances,inherent architectural constraints,such as token-level sequential processing,limit their ability to perform deep abstract reasoning and holistic contextual understanding,which are critical for fine-grained diagnostic interpretation.We provide a critical perspective on current LLMs and discuss key challenges,including model reliability,bias,and explainability,highlighting the pressing need for novel approaches to advance radiology AI.Large concept models(LCMs)represent a nascent and promising paradigm in radiology AI,designed to transcend the limitations of token-level processing by utilizing higher-order conceptual representations and multimodal data integration.The second part of this manuscript introduces the foundational principles and theoretical framework of LCMs,highlighting their potential to facilitate enhanced semantic reasoning,long-range context synthesis,and improved clinical decision-making.Critically,the core of this section is the proposal of a novel theoretical framework for LCMs,formalized and extended from our group’s foundational concept-based models-the world’s earliest articulation of this paradigm for medical AI.This conceptual shift has since been externally validated and propelled by the recent publication of the LCM architectural proposal by Meta AI,providing a large-scale engineering blueprint for the future development of this technology.We also outline future research directions and the transformative implications of this emerging AI paradigm for radiologic practice,aiming to provide a blueprint for advancing toward human-like conceptual understanding in AI.While challenges persist,we are at the very beginning of a new era,and it is not unreasonable to hope that future advancements will overcome these hurdles,pushing the boundaries of AI in Radiology,far beyond even the most state-of-the-art models of today.
文摘Pancreatic vipoma is an extremely rare tumor accounting for less than 2% of endocrine pancreatic neoplasms with a reported incidence of 0.1-0.6 per million. While cross-sectional imaging findings are usually not specific, exact localization of the tumor by means of either computed tomography(CT) or magnetic resonance(MR) is pivotal for surgical planning. However, cross-sectional imaging findings are usually not specific and further characterization of the tumor may only be achieved bysomatostatin-receptor scintigraphy(SRS). We report the case of a 70 years old female with a two years history of watery diarrhoea who was found to have a solid, inhomogeneously enhancing lesion at the level of the pancreatic tail at Gadolinium-enhanced MR(Somatom Trio 3T, Siemens, Germany). The tumor had been prospectively overlooked at a contrast-enhanced multi-detector CT(Aquilion 64, Toshiba, Japan) performed after i.v. bolus injection of only 100 cc of iodinated non ionic contrast media because of a chronic renal failure(3.4 mg/mL) but it was subsequently confirmed by SRS. The patient first underwent a successful symptomatic treatment with somatostatin analogues and was then submitted to a distal pancreasectomy with splenectomy to remove a capsulated whitish tumor which turned out to be a well-differentiated vipoma at histological and immuno-histochemical analysis.
基金supported by the Research Funds of the Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM(grant number JKS2022015)the Key Scientific Research Fund of the Anhui Provincial Education Department(grant number2023AH050610)the Anhui Natural Science Foundation(grant number 1808085QH252)。
文摘In 2021,approximately 537 million people suffered from diabetes mellitus(DM)globally,and this figure will increase to approximately 783 million within the next quarter-century.The increasing burden of DM is a pressing global public health issue.Therefore,the early identification of high-risk groups and implementation of effective intervention measures is imperative.
基金supported by the Start-Up Research Funding of Fujian Normal University(No.Y0720326K13)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.22103035 and 22033005)+2 种基金the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2022YFA1503900)Shenzhen Science and Technology Program(No.RCYX20231211090357078)Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalysis(No.2020B121201002).
文摘Atomically precise palladium(Pd)clusters are emerging as versatile nanomaterials with applications in catalysis and biomedicine.This study explores the synthesis,structure evolution,and catalytic properties of Pd clusters stabilized by cyclohexanethiol(HSC_(6)H_(11))ligands.Using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(ESI-MS)and single-crystal X-ray diffraction(SXRD),structures of the Pd clusters ranging from Pd4(SC_(6)H_(11))8 to Pd18(SC_(6)H_(11))36 were determined.This analysis revealed a structure evolution from polygonal to elliptical geometries of the PdnS2n frameworks as the cluster size increased.UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy,combined with quantum chemical calculations,elucidated changes in the electronic structure of the clusters.Catalytic studies on the Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions demonstrated a size-dependent decline in activity attributed to variations in structural arrangements and electronic properties.Mechanistic insights proposed a distinctive Pd(Ⅱ)-Pd(Ⅳ)catalytic cycle.This research underscores how ligands and cluster size influence the structures and properties of Pd clusters,offering valuable insights for the future design and application of Pd clusters in advanced catalysis and beyond.
文摘Secondary injury following spinal cord injury is primarily characterized by a complex inflammatory response,with resident microglia and infiltrating macrophages playing pivotal roles.While previous studies have grouped these two cell types together based on similarities in structure and function,an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that microglia and macrophages exhibit differences in structure and function and have different effects on disease processes.In this study,we used single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to identify the distinct evolutionary paths of microglia and macrophages following spinal cord injury.Our results showed that microglia were activated to a pro-inflammatory phenotype immediately after spinal cord injury,gradually transforming to an anti-inflammatory steady state phenotype as the disease progressed.Regarding macrophages,our findings highlighted abundant communication with other cells,including fibroblasts and neurons.Both pro-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of macrophages were also identified;the pro-inflammatory effect may be related to integrin β2(Itgb2) and the neuroprotective effect may be related to the oncostatin M pathway.These findings were validated by in vivo experiments.This research underscores differences in the cellular dynamics of microglia and macrophages following spinal cord injury,and may offer new perspectives on inflammatory mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
基金supported by European Union funding(PON“Ricerca e Innovazione”2014‒2020).
文摘The issue of resistance reduction through hull ventilation is of particular interest in contemporary research.This paper presents multiphase computational fluid dynamics(CFD)simulations with 2-DOF motion of a planing hull.The original hull was modified by introducing a step to allow air ventilation.Following an assessment of the hull performance,a simulation campaign in calm water was conducted to characterize the hull at various forward speeds and air insufflation rates for a defined single step geometry.Geometric analysis of the air layer thickness beneath the hull for each simulated condition was performed using a novel method for visualizing local air thickness.Additionally,two new parameters were introduced to understand the influence of spray rails on the air volume beneath the hull and to indicate the primary direction of ventilated air escape.A validation campaign and an assessment of uncertainty of the simulation has been conducted.The features offered by the CFD methodology include the evaluation of the air layer thickness as a function of hull velocity and injection flow rate and the air volume distribution beneath the hull.The air injection velocity can be adjusted across various operating conditions,thereby preventing performance or efficiency loss during navigation.Based on these findings,the study highlights the benefits of air insufflation in reducing hull resistance for high-speed planing vessels.This work lays a robust foundation for future research and new promising topics,as the exploration of air insufflation continues to be a topic of contemporary interest within naval architecture and hydrodynamics.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82204610)Qihang Talent Program(L2022046)+1 种基金the Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences(CI2021A04013)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Public Welfare Research Institutes(ZZ15-YQ-041 and L2021029).
文摘Background:Cyperi Rhizoma,derived from Cyperus rotundus L.,is a widely used medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),with Shandong Province recognized as its geo-authentic habitat.However,the quality of Cyperi Rhizoma varies significantly across different regions,potentially influencing its therapeutic efficacy.This study investigates the influence of geographic origin on the chemical composition and overall quality of Cyperi Rhizoma.Methods:A comprehensive approach,including traditional quality assessment,GC-MS(g as c hromatography-m ass s pectrometry),RP-HPLC(r everse p hase h igh-p erformance l iquid c hromatography),and FT-IR(f ourier t ransform i nfrared s pectroscopy)techniques,was employed to analyze Cyperi Rhizoma samples from Shandong Province.These methods examined the physical appearance,chemical profile,and content variations,particularly focusing onα-cyperone.Results:Traditional quality assessments revealed noticeable differences in the external characteristics of the samples.GC-MS analysis identified a variety of unique chemical constituents,while RP-HPLC and FT-IR showed significant variations inα-cyperone content,with higher levels found in Shandong samples.Conclusion:These results demonstrate that geographic origin is a critical determinant of Cyperi Rhizoma quality,with Shandong specimens exhibiting superiorα-cyperone levels and characteristic phytochemical profiles.This validates the geo-authenticity concept in TCM and provides actionable data for developing evidence-based quality standards,suggesting that provenance should be prioritized in medicinal material selection and pharmacopeial specifications.
文摘Inflammatory bowel diseases are inflammatory, chronic and progressive diseases of the intestinal tract for which no curative treatment is available. Research in other fields with stem cells of different sources and with immunoregulatory cells(regulatory T-lymphocytes and dendritic T-cells) opens up new expectations for their use in these diseases. The goal for stem cell-based therapy is to provide a permanent cure. To achieve this, it will be necessary to obtain a cellular product, original or genetically modified, that has a high migration capacity and homes into the intestine, has high survival after transplantation, regulates the immune reaction while not being visible to the patient's immune system, and repairs the injured tissue.
文摘Cell therapy has the potential to improve healing of ischemic heart, repopulate injured myocardium and restore cardiac function. The tremendous hope and potential of stem cell therapy is well understood, yet recent trials involving cell therapy for cardiovascular diseases have yielded mixed results with inconsistent data thereby readdressing controversies and unresolved questions regarding stem cell efficacy for ischemic cardiac disease treatment. These controversies are believed to arise by the lack of uniformity of the clinical trial methodologies, uncertainty regarding the underlying reparative mechanisms of stem cells, questions concerning the most appropriate cell population to use, the proper delivery method and timing in relation to the moment of infarction, as well as the poor stem cell survival and engraftment especially in a diseased microenvironment which is collectively acknowledged as a major hindrance to any form of cell therapy. Indeed, the microenvironment of the failing heart exhibits pathological hypoxic, oxidative and inflammatory stressors impairing the survival of transplanted cells. Therefore, in order to observe any significant therapeutic benefit there is a need to increase resilience of stem cells to death in the transplant microenvironment while preserving or better yet improving their reparative functionality. Although stem cell differentiation into cardiomyocytes has been observed in some instance, the prevailing reparative benefits are afforded through paracrine mechanisms that promote angiogenesis, cell survival, transdifferentiate host cells and modulate immune responses. Therefore, to maximize their reparative functionality, ex vivo manipulation of stem cells through physical, genetic and pharmacological means have shown promise to enable cells to thrive in the postischemic transplant microenvironment. In the present work, we will overview the current status of stem cell therapy for ischemic heart disease, discuss the most recurring cell populations employed, the mechanisms by which stem cells deliver a therapeutic benefit andstrategies that have been used to optimize and increase survival and functionality of stem cells including ex vivo preconditioning with drugs and a novel "pharmacooptimizer" as well as genetic modifications.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81973466)the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Youth Qihuang Scholars Support Project,and the Program of Graduate Innovation Research in Shanxi Province(No.2023KY019).
文摘Silicosis is one of the most serious and prevalent occupational diseases globally,characterized by typical silicotic nodules and fibrosis.Recent studies suggest that the perinodular zone of the lung shares certain characteristics with the nodules themselves.In this study,a silicotic rat model was established via a single intratracheal in-stillation of a 50 mg/mL silica suspension.Pulmonary anatomical and pathological examinations revealed that silica deposition induced severe alterations in both the nodular and perinodular tissues.Subsequently,pseudo-targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that abnormally elevated ornithine levels were closely associated with the progression of silicosis,from normal to perinodular and finally to nodular tissues.Immunofluorescent stain-ing demonstrated that,in addition to M2 macrophages,silica exposure increased the protein levels of ARG1 in epithelial cells,a finding further confirmed by in vitro experiments using A549 and BEAS-2B cells.Moreover,accumulated ornithine induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vitro,increased extracellular matrix expres-sion in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts,and enhanced TGF-β1 levels in RAW264.7 cells.Co-exposure to ornithine and silica significantly induced the aberrant expression of fibrosis-associated proteins compared to silica exposure alone,characterized by increased levels of FN and𝛼-SMA,as well as decreased E-cad expression.These findings sug-gest that silica exposure up-regulates ARG1 in various cells,leading to ornithine accumulation,which in turn accelerates the progression of fibrosis.
基金Supported by the Grants From Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer,Comités Départementaux de la Manche,de l'Orne et du Calvados and from Université de Metz
文摘AIM:To evaluate the association between CYP1A1 and GSTs genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)and esophageal adenocarcinoma(ADC)in a high risk area of northwest of France. METHODS:A case-control study was conducted to investigate the genetic polymorphisms of these enzymes (CYPIAI*2C and GSTP1 exon 7 Val alleles,GSTMI*2/*2 and GSTTl *2/*2 null genotypes).A total of 79 esophageal cancer cases and 130 controls were recruited. RESULTS:GSTMI*2/*2 and CYPIAI*IA/*2C genotype frequencies were higher among squamous cell carcinomas at a level dose to statistical significance(OR =1.83,95% CI 0.88-3.83,P=0.11;OR=3.03,95% CI 0.93-9.90,P=0.07, respectively).For GSTP1 polymorphism,no difference was found between controls and cases,whatever their histological status.Lower frequency of GSTT1 deletion was observed in ADC group compared to controls with a statistically significant difference(OR=13.31,95% CI 1.66-106.92,P<0.01). CONCLUSION:In SCC,our results are consistent with the strong association of this kind of tumour with tobacco exposure.In ADC,our results suggest 3 distinct hypotheses: (1)activation of exogenous procarcinogens,such as small halogenated compounds by GSTT1;(2)contribution of GSTT1 to the inflammatory response of esophageal mucosa,which is known to be a strong risk factor for ADC, possibly through leukotriene synthesis;(3)higher sensitivity to the inflammatory process associated with intracellular depletion of glutathione.
基金the National Autonomous University of México(UNAM)through the Support Program for Technological Research and Innovation Projects(DGAPAPAPIIT),grants No.IN103623.
文摘A high-entropy matrix with highly polarizable elements sharing a rare-earth element at the same crystallographic site was designed using the chemical formula Ba_(1/5)Pb_(1/5)Sr_(1/5)RE_(1/5)K_(1/5)TiO_(3)(BPSREKTO),where rare-earth(RE)=La,Nb,Sm,Gd,Dy,Ho,Y,and Lu.Single-phase stability was observed only in the BPSREKTO with RE=La,Nd,and Sm high-entropy compounds.The crystal structure,optical properties,and ferroelectric nature of the single-phase ceramic compounds were investigated.Elemental and structural analyses revealed that all the cations were homogeneously distributed in a global centrosymmetric cubic structure(S.G.Pm3m).Optical absorption showed that the RE=Nd compound is more photoactive in the 200-1000 nm wavelength range,unlike the RE=La,Sm high-entropy compounds.The introduction of RE elements in high-entropy ceramic(HEC)systems affects the indirect bandgap of BPSREKTO with RE=La,Nd,and Sm.It was also found that cationic disorder increases the Urbach energy,leading to a decrease in the indirect energy bandgap in the HEC compound compared to the homologue BaTiO_(3)/SrTiO_(3) single-phase.The dielectric spectra show a broad peak in the dielectric constant and dielectric loss,which are shifted in temperatures with increasing frequencies due to a relaxor ferroelectric transition typical of the diffuse phase transitions.This relaxor behavior was unexpected,because the global crystal structure was centrosymmetric,implying an increase in the number of polar nanoregions(PNRs).These PNRs coexisting with non-polar regions(NPRs)were observed using piezo-force microscopy.Furthermore,the slim polarization loop confirmed the relaxor behavior of BPSREKTO with RE=La,Nd,and Sm.These ferroelectric features make these RE-modified HEC materials good candidates for high-energy storage applications.
基金supported by the Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of Shaanxi Province(2022JC-09)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2023M732780)+1 种基金the Higher Education Institution Academic Discipline Innovation and Talent Introduction Plan(B23025)the Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities.
文摘One-carbon(C1)compounds,such as CO_(2),methane,and methanol,are emerging as promising feedstocks for next-generation biomanufacturing due to their abundance and low cost.In recent years,there has been growing interest in harnessing microorganisms to convert these carbon sources into valuable natural products(NPs),which offers great potential for sustainable development.This review systematically outlines recent advancements in biocatalysts,synthetic biology,and process optimization aimed at improving the feasibility and scalability of producing C1-based NPs.Current challenges and insights into NPs biomanufacturing from C1 compounds are thoroughly examined in the areas of multi-gene editing,metabolic regulation,and synthetic microbial consortium.With ongoing progress in biosynthetic tools and fermentation techniques,C1-based biomanufacturing is becoming a versatile and sustainable platform for generating diverse value-added products.
基金the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada(RGPIN/4052-16,ALLRP 560390-20).
文摘This paper addresses a fundamental question in rock mechanics:Are there Class II rocks?The historical development of servo-controlled rock testing machines is reviewed,followed by a brief review of some stiff testing machines.The pioneering work of some researchers is reviewed,and the misconception of classifying rocks into Class I and Class II is discussed.The mechanism of post-peak Class II behavior is discussed based on some recent test results.When a brittle hard rock is tested using a soft testing machine under axial-strain-controlled loading,violent failure can occur when the peak strength is reached,and the post-peak stress-strain curve cannot be obtained.However,a Class II post-peak stress-strain curve can be obtained when the rock is tested under lateral-strain-controlled loading.If a stiff testing machine is used,Class I and Class II post-peak stress-strain curves will be obtained under axial-and lateral-strain-controlled loadings,respectively.It is therefore not appropriate to classify rocks into Class I or Class II rocks.The influences of other conditions,such as rock type,confinement,and specimen height-to-diameter ratio,on the type(Class I or Class II)of post-peak stress-strain curves are also discussed.Finally,some misconceptions in the rock mechanics community,stemming from the concept of“Class II rock”,are discussed.By clarifying these concepts related to Class I and Class II behaviors,this paper seeks to clarify misunderstandings and misapplications related to post-peak strength and deformation properties in the field.
