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Optimization of photodegradation of acid blue 1 dye on aluminosilicate supported Cu doped TiO2 magnetic nanocatalyst using response surface methodology
Geriatrics as a specialty: Insights from Mexican medical students’ decision-making process
Main objective To identify the elements associated with the decision to select or reject geriatrics as a medical specialty in Mexico. Methods Qualitative, with the focus group technique to obtain data. Two groups included students who rejected geriatrics, regardless of the specialty they chose, and two groups included students who chose geriatrics, interviews via Zoom were conducted. Data was analyzed qualitatively based on grounded theory. Results Thirty-four students were included in the final sample (52% women), mainly from the Central region of the country (44%). Students were mainly in their last year of medical school (97%). Previous experiences with older patients and older close relatives, both positive and negative, were important in choosing the specialty of geriatrics for most students. In contrast, personality, and interpretation of the experiences as good or bad was the main differentiator between groups. For those who did not choose geriatrics, the main factor was the lack of knowledge regarding contents, aims, and professional opportunities for geriatricians. Previous experiences with geriatric care influenced positively towards choosing geriatrics as a medical specialty. High-quality, structured exposure to geriatrics should be encouraged among medical students in order to increase knowledge and eventually interest in the specialty.
Effects of Nanoscale precipitates on mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility in Zn-Mn alloy
Abstract Controlling degradation rate is essential for the biomedical application of biodegradable Zn alloys. Alloying with soluble elements is an effective way to regulate formation of second phases, which differ in potential from the Zn matrix. The potential difference exhibits positive or negative effects on corrosion resistance. This study successfully forms MnZn13 phase with nano size by altering ECAP temperature. Subsequently, MnZn13 phase promotes grain refinement, improvement of elongation, and corrosion resistance. Higher elongation in Zn-Mn alloy with MnZn13 phase is attributed to the grain boundary sliding, deformation twins in MnZn13 phase. Meanwhile, grain boundary corrosion in Zn-Mn alloy with MnZn13 phase is incomplete. Corrosion mode of Zn-Mn alloys without MnZn13 phase is dominated by grain boundary corrosion, accompanied by pitting corrosion. The increased corrosion resistance from MnZn13 phase stems from its higher potential than Zn matrix. Zn-Mn alloys with and without MnZn13 phase show a comparable cytocompatibility and osteogenic properties. Our findings provide an effective way to regulating mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of Zn alloys via controlling precipitation.
NOTCH1 promotes the elevation of GM-CSF and IL-6 through the EZH2/STAT3 pathway to facilitate the fibrotic state of the myocardium in DLBCL
Objective Investigate the role of the Neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 1 (NOTCH1) signaling pathway in Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)-related heart pathogenesis. Methods Utilize R (version 4.2.1) to retrieve DLBCL and myocardial infarction datasets from the GEO database, normalize data with limma, perform differential analysis and GO analysis with GOplot, and visualize findings with ggplot2. Various assays were conducted including stable cell line construction, myocardial infarction modeling, imaging, Western Blot, ELISA, staining, and functional assays. Results Significant gene expression and pathway disparities were found between DLBCL and myocardial infarction samples. NOTCH1, The molecules named Recosomal-binding protein 70 (RBP-J), zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2), trimethylated histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3), Signal Transducer And Activator Of Transcription 3 (STAT3) and Jumonji domain containing-3 (JMJD3) matters a lot in DLBCL. NOTCH1 inhibition decreased DLBCL cell proliferation and activity, reduced inflammatory factors, and improved myocardial fibrosis and infarction severity. NOTCH1 inhibits Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) expressions depending on STAT3 and EZH2. Co-culturing with DLBCL cells increased fibroblast proliferation, invasion, and fibrosis. Conclusion NOTCH1 signaling influences DLBCL development and myocardial infarction severity through the EZH2/STAT3 pathway, leading to increased heart fibrosis.
Diabetic retinopathy detection via exudates and hemorrhages segmentation using iterative NICK thresholding, watershed, and Chi2 feature ranking
The political economy of reshoring: Evidence from the semiconductor industry
States have increasingly taken steps to reshore manufacturing by shifting production back home from abroad. Although the literature on responses to globalization is increasingly robust, scholars tend to focus on the political consequences of economic dislocations, the effectiveness of government policies intended to roll back globalization, and the macroeconomic consequences of such policies. Our research is among the first to study public attitudes toward reshoring, including the basis of support, demographic variation, and sensitivity to factors like consumer prices. We advance hypotheses about the role of national security considerations and economic self-interest in shaping why and under what conditions the public backs incentives and investments that bring manufacturing home. We field two pre-registered survey experiments to representative samples of the American public, finding that US citizens support reshoring in most cases, irrespective of political party. Only the prospect of severe price increases and reshoring from geographically proximate allies moderate these responses. Our findings advance literatures on reshoring and public attitudes toward economic relationships, with implications for policy as governments consider reshoring a range of industries from technology to pharmaceuticals.
Patterned dark amorphous titania nanotube arrays with high conductivity
Black titania nanotubes possess an extraordinary surface functionality while having a high absorbance in the visible light range. In this study, a low-temperature manufacturing approach for dark titania nanotubes is presented: low-energy low-fluence carbon ion implantation. It allows a local chemical reduction, preserves the amorphous structure and induces oxygen vacancies, leading to high electrical conductivity. The material’s modification is unveiled on microscopic and macroscopic scales: electrical characteristics are recorded on the nanometer scale using tunneling atomic force microscopy and overall with two-point measurements. The depth-resolved atomic composition is assessed via elastic recoil detection analysis, while optical and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy elucidate the global chemical binding situation and bandgap shifts. This extensive analysis supports the concept of percolated carbon paths that vertically span the nanotubes and provide a substantial contribution to the enhanced conductivity. In combination with the utilization of implantation masks, a versatile route for a targeted and localized material’s manipulation toward patterned dark amorphous titania nanotubes is demonstrated that gives rise to innovative materials and smart devices.
MemoCMT: multimodal emotion recognition using cross-modal transformer-based feature fusion
Trends in incidence and mortality of laryngeal cancer in china from 2004 to 2018: Projections to 2033 and decomposition analysis
This study analyzed trends in the incidence and mortality of laryngeal cancer (LC) in China from 2004 to 2018, provided projections up to 2033, and identified contributing factors influencing these trends. LC data were obtained from the Chinese Cancer Registry Annual Reports for 2004 to 2018. Estimated Annual Percent Change (EAPC) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Joinpoint Regression Software to evaluate trends. LC incidence and mortality rates in registry areas, combined with national population data, were used to estimate new cases and deaths. Projections were made to 2033, and a decomposition analysis identified factors influencing trends. From 2004 to 2018, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of LC decreased from 1.29 to 1.14 per 100,000, with an EAPC of −1.75% (95% CI: −2.36% to −1.12%). The age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) also declined from 0.67 to 0.61 per 100,000, with an EAPC of −0.76% (95% CI: −1.28% to −0.25%). Mortality among males aged 60–69, however, showed a significant increase. Population growth and aging contributed to the rise in LC cases and deaths, while epidemiological factors partially offset these increases. By 2033, ASIR and ASMR for males and ASIR for females are projected to decrease, while ASMR for females is expected to rise. ASIR and ASMR in China showed a declining trend from 2004 to 2018, with further decreases projected through 2033. Yet, rising mortality in older males underscores the need for targeted prevention and early detection. Population aging and growth are key drivers of the LC burden, although epidemiological improvements have helped mitigate case increases. Comprehensive public health strategies remain essential to reduce LC impact in China.
Frequency response of spin drift-diffusion in <i>n</i>-doped Ge, Si, and GaAs
The frequency dependent drift-diffusive spin transport of polarized electrons lying at the bottom of the conduction band of n-doped Ge, Si, and GaAs is numerically investigated at room temperature. First, we calculate the spin lifetime for such electron populations. Then, the temporal evolution of a spin population detected at a certain distance from the injection point is studied by employing a finite element method to solve the coupled spin drift-diffusion and continuity equations in a one-dimensional frame. In this way, we unveil the intricate dependence of the spin accumulation as a function of the distance between the injection and detection point, the doping level of the semiconductor, and the amplitude and frequency of the electric field. Notably, the spin signal features both a variation in phase with the electric field and a modulation at higher harmonics. The cut-off frequency of the spin signal increases with the electric field’s amplitude or by reducing the spin-diffusion length. With applied bias voltages compatible with those used in electronics, we obtain cut-off frequencies of about 35 GHz in Ge, 480 MHz in Si, and 15 THz in GaAs. Our results not only shed light on the fundamental mechanisms governing spin dynamics but also hold the promise for future applications in spin-dependent logic operations.
Impact of corner optimization measures on the interference effects between two square section buildings
SignFormer-GCN: Continuous sign language translation using spatio-temporal graph convolutional networks
Sign language is a complex visual language system that uses hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning. It is the primary means of communication for millions of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals worldwide. Tracking physical actions, such as hand movements and arm orientation, alongside expressive actions, including facial expressions, mouth movements, eye movements, eyebrow gestures, head movements, and body postures, using only RGB features can be limiting due to discrepancies in backgrounds and signers across different datasets. Despite this limitation, most Sign Language Translation (SLT) research relies solely on RGB features. We used keypoint features, and RGB features to capture better the pose and configuration of body parts involved in sign language actions and complement the RGB features. Similarly, most works on SLT research have used transformers, which are good at capturing broader, high-level context and focusing on the most relevant video frames. Still, the inherent graph structure associated with sign language is neglected and fails to capture low-level details. To solve this, we used a joint encoding technique using a transformer and STGCN architecture to capture the context of sign language expressions and spatial and temporal dependencies on skeleton graphs. Our method, SignFormer-GCN, achieves competitive performance in RWTH-PHOENIX-2014T, How2Sign, and BornilDB v1.0 datasets experimentally, showcasing its effectiveness in enhancing translation accuracy through different sign languages. The code is available at the following link: https://github.com/rabeya-akter/SignLanguageTranslation.
Performance transition from full- to semi-superjunction geometries in 4H-SiC
We present a numerical exploration of the trade-off between specific on-resistance and breakdown voltage in silicon carbide superjunction (SJ) devices along the [0001] crystal orientation. Our study spans vertical-symmetric full-SJ geometry to the hybrid configurations that integrate SJ and non-SJ layers, so-called semi-SJ geometries. In semi-SJ devices, where the SJ layer is thinner than the optimal thickness required for full-SJ devices to sustain a given breakdown voltage, performance is notably inferior compared to full-SJ devices. A systematic performance analysis relative to the SJ layer thickness reveals a shift in the breakdown path. While full-SJ devices undergo breakdown through a peak electric field at the n- and p-pillar interface in conjunction with the anisotropic impact ionization process, the breakdown path transitions to parallel to [0001] through the center of the n-pillar as the SJ layer thickness decreases. This path switching in semi-SJ devices is attributed to a reduced electric field at the pillar interface, compared to full-SJ counterparts, due to the lower optimal doping density in the SJ layer. This reduction in optimal doping density is driven by the enhancement of the electric field caused by the non-SJ layer. To counterbalance the increase in the ionization integral resulting from the intensified electric field, the peak electric field at the pillar interface must be lowered, which necessitates a reduction in the doping density of the SJ layer.
Pavlovian conditioning with the internal stimulus effects of intravenous nicotine heightens later nicotine taking with variation by dose and sex
The bone phenotype associated with cherubism is independent of Caspase-1-dependent inflammasome activation in the mouse
Cherubism is a rare genetic disorder caused by SH3BP2 mutations. This sterile autoinflammatory disease is characterized by jaw osteolysis, in which bone tissue is replaced by multinucleated giant cells containing fibrous tissue. The cherubism mouse model (Sh3bp2 KI) is characterized by systemic bone loss as well as inflammatory phenotypes induced and maintained by TNFα. IL-1β, produced by the NRLP3 inflammasome through recruitment of Caspase-1, is involved in the development of sterile autoinflammatory disease. We previously reported a cherubism patient with elevated serum IL-1β, and cherubism mice also have elevated serum IL-1β levels. Thus, we wanted to disentangle the role of IL-1β in cherubism. To that end, we deleted Caspase-1 in Sh3bp2 KI mice to tamp down IL-1β production. However, deleting Caspase-1 did not rescue the systemic bone and inflammatory phenotypes.
Application of an array laser–cantilever–magnet measurement sensor incorporated with digital shearography in a Lorentz force particle analyzer
A Lorentz force particle analyzer (LFPA) is a contactless measuring apparatus used to detect inclusions or defects within metallic materials. A laser–cantilever–magnet (LCM) sensor is a reliable method to measure the variations of Lorentz force caused by inclusions in LFPA. In this paper, digital shearography technology, whose displacement resolution is up to 30 nm, is involved in an array LCM measurement sensor to acquire the displacement distribution of the array cantilever. The experimental setup is constructed, and the three-step phase-shifting method is selected to calculate the displacement of cantilevers. The array LCM sensor is arranged in a staggered two-row configuration, and the interval of each sensor is set as 2 mm to avoid mutual disturbance through the numerical method. In the measuring experiment, a pre-experiment, which generates periodic deformation of the cantilever using a piezoelectric ceramic actuator, is first conducted to verify the reliability of the system. Then, dynamic measurement experiments under three different conditions are conducted, and the displacement distributions of the array cantilever are obtained by the phase difference map. The dynamic experimental results show that the displacement of the cantilevers is in the order of μm. Meanwhile, the variation of the Lorentz force and the deformation of the cantilever caused by defects in three different conditions are calculated by numerical simulation. Finally, the results of the experiments and numerical simulations under various conditions are compared. The displacements of the cantilevers are very close in all cases, indicating that the array LCM sensor incorporated with digital shearography technology is robust and reliable to measure the minute force changes in LFPA.
Piceatannol and its analogues alleviate Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis by targeting β-lactamase biofilms and α-hemolysin
Abstract β-Lactamases, biofilms and toxins pose challenges for combating S. aureus infection. Thus, identifying inhibitors that can restore bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics, destroy biofilms, and antitoxins is a promising way to develop alternative agents. In this study, we found that piceatannol (pit), along with its analogues resveratrol (ret) and pterostilbene (pts) bind with β-lactamase to inhibit its activity, and 96TYR, 58ILE and 66LYS were identified as the critical binding residues. Pit and pts reduced the ampicillin (Amp) and gentamicin (Gm) MICs against S. aureus and enhanced the bactericidal ability of Amp. Pit and its analogues inhibited the formation of S. aureus USA300. In addition, the pit analogues bound with α-hemolysin and suppressed the hemolysis activity of the bacterial culture supernatant. The mechanism analysis revealed that pit exhibited multiple potential binding modes with α-hemolysin. Pit significantly decreased the cytotoxicity and the adherence effect mediated by S. aureus and increased the survival rate of Galleria mellonella that infected with S. aureus, the pathological tissue damage of Galleria mellonella was alleviated by treatment with pit alone or in combination with Amp. Taken together, our findings identify promising compounds for the development of S. aureus infection inhibitors.
Loss of ING4 enhances hematopoietic regeneration in multipotent progenitor cells
Despite its critical role in survival, many aspects of hematopoiesis remain unresolved. In the classical model of the hematopoietic program, quiescent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) sit at the top of the hematopoietic hierarchy, with the ability to self-renew and differentiate as needed. HSCs give rise to more proliferative progenitor cells, which possess multipotent potential, but have largely or completely lost self-renewal capabilities. Here, we have identified the tumor suppressor, Inhibitor of Growth 4 (ING4), as a critical regulator of multipotent progenitor (MPP) homeostasis. In the absence of ING4, we show that MPPs express a transcriptional program of hematopoietic activation, yet they remain quiescent with low levels of reactive oxygen species. Functionally, ING4-deficient MPPs are capable of robust regeneration following competitive bone marrow transplantation, resulting in substantially higher blood chimerism compared to wild-type MPPs. These data suggest ING4 deficiency promotes a poised state in MPPs, quiescent but transcriptionally primed for activation, and capable of converting the poised state into robust repopulation upon stress. Our model provides key tools for further identification and characterization of pathways that control quiescence and regeneration in MPPs.
Mangnon–phonon–photon interactions in cubic ferromagnets in the vicinity of orientational phase transition: Retrospective and phenomenological study
This work presents a comprehensive theoretical investigation of magnon–phonon–photon interactions in cubic ferromagnets near orientational phase transitions (OPTs). The study focuses on the interplay of magnetoelastic (ME), electromagnetic-spin (EMS), and acoustic–electromagnetic (AEM) interactions in ferromagnetic dielectrics and metals. By deriving dispersion equations for coupled waves, the research reveals how the dynamic properties of magnetically ordered crystals evolve in response to these interactions under varying external magnetic fields and near OPT points. The ME interaction prominently influences spin and elastic wave dynamics, giving rise to coupled modes, such as quasi-magnon and quasi-acoustic waves. Near the OPT, these interactions become dominant, leading to phenomena like the ME gap and the softening of vibrational modes. The EMS interaction significantly alters the activation energy and dispersion of quasi-spin and quasi-electromagnetic waves. In ferromagnetic metals, helicons (weakly damped electromagnetic waves) exhibit strong coupling with spin and elastic waves, particularly in the OPT region. The study identifies conditions for triple resonance among spin, elastic, and electromagnetic waves. Additionally, it explores the frequency-dependent rotation of polarization planes in electromagnetic and ME waves, which sharpens near the OPT points. These results provide a deeper understanding of the coupled dynamics in ferromagnetic materials, paving the way for new technological applications in spintronics, signal processing, and advanced magneto-optical devices. The theoretical framework developed here emphasizes the critical role of ME, EMS, and AEM interactions in tailoring wave properties for specific applications, particularly in designing next-generation magnetic and electronic systems.